THE DOOR OPENS, AND CLOSES AGAIN In one sense Hampton had greatly enjoyed Miss Spencer's call.

Her bright, fresh face, her impulsive speech, her unquestioned beauty, had had their effect upon him, changing for the time being the gloomy trend of his thoughts.

She was like a draught of pure Spring air, and he had gratefully breathed it in, and even longed for more.
But gradually the slight smile of amusement faded from his eyes.
Something, which he had supposed lay securely hidden behind years and distance, had all at once come back to haunt him,--the unhappy ghost of an expiated crime, to do evil to this girl Naida.

Two men, at least, knew sufficient of the past to cause serious trouble.

This effort by Slavin to hold personal communication with the girl was evidently made for some definite purpose.