Now, I am going to tell you why." Mercedes, the tears yet clinging to her long, black lashes, stood motionless, gazing at the other with fascination, her slender, scarlet-draped figure quivering to the force of these impetuous words.
She longed, yet dreaded, to hear, her own lips refusing utterance.

But Beth Norvell gave little opportunity; her determination made, she swept forward unhesitatingly.

As though fearful of being overheard, even in the midst of that loneliness, she leaned forward, whispering one quick, breathless sentence of confession.

The startled dancer swayed backward at the words, clutching at her breast, the faint glimmer of light revealing her staring eyes and pallid cheeks.
"Mother of God!" she sobbed convulsively.

"No, no! not dat! He could not lie to me like dat!" "Lie ?" in bitter scornfulness.