I go see Mike; he more fun as dose vat make lofe." There was a flutter of skirts and sudden vanishment, even as Miss Norvell's ears caught the sound of a low rap on the outer door.

She stood breathing heavily, her hands clasped upon her breast, until the knock had been repeated twice.

Her voice utterly failing her, she pressed the latch, stepping backward to permit his entrance.

The first swift, inquiring glance into his face frightened her into an impulsive explanation.
"I was afraid I arrived here too late to be of any service.

It seems, however, you did not even need me." He grasped the hand which, half unconsciously, she had extended toward him; he was startled by its unresponsive coldness, striving vainly to perceive the truth hidden away beneath her lowered lids.
"I fear I do not altogether understand," he returned gravely.