The color crept back in her cheeks at this daring conception, for, after those hastily uttered words of the previous night, what construction would he be likely to put on this sudden yielding?
An instant she hesitated, afraid, shrinking back before the sacrifice as from fire.

Then her fine eyes darkened, the clinging tears vanishing while her fingers clinched in passionate resolve.

Do it?
Why, of course she must do it! What was her pitiful pride in the balance against his life?
He might never dream what so great a sacrifice cost her; might even despise her for such an exhibition of weakness; but she would know, and be the stronger in her own soul from the brave performance of duty.

Besides, she intended to tell him the whole miserable story of her wrecked life--not now, not even to-night, but some time, on their way back into the world,--as they were nearing Denver, perhaps, and at the moment of final parting.

It almost seemed easy as she faced the stern necessity, so easy that her parted lips smiled sarcastically when she heard Farnham rise and leave the darkened box through the opposite entrance.