st of the information we
seek. It may be an hour--perhaps two--perhaps not to-day. But I think I
can assure you of ultimate success."

Judith thanked him so calmly that the detective wondered. Had he seen
the expression of her face as she hung up the receiver, he would have
wondered still more.

But as three o'clock merged into four, and four rolled away into five,
with no further report, Judith's restlessness gave place to resignation.
And when, just as it was turning dark, the maid announced Imrie, she was
able to welcome him as unaffectedly as if not a care clouded her sky.

It was merely a reaction, of course, quite inevitable after the strain
of anxiety and suspense under which she had laboured for days: but he
was not aware of that. All he knew was that Judith was again the person
he had known and loved so long ago. Back upon him rushed the passion
which had been quiescent before her detached indifference. As she stood
before him, her eyes sparkling, her teeth gleaming, in smiles the like
of which he had not seen, it seemed, since they were children together,
all the hopes and dreams, so long dormant, sprang to his lips.

"Ah, Judith, girl!" he cried, as he jumped to his feet and faced her.
"It's got to come out again. I can't help it--I don't _want_ to help it.
I..."

A look of something akin to terror flashed into Judith's eyes. "Don't,
Arnold--please--you mustn't..." She drew away, almost as if she feared
him. The movement, slight though it was, hurt him infinitely.

"I suppose it's foolish," he said wistfully. "You made that pretty clear
once. But I can't help thinking that things are different now. I'm not
better than I was then--but I know myself better. I was a prig--full of
pride--conceited. At least I'm not that any more. I'm only..." Suddenly
he stopped and eyed her narrowly.

"Tell me, Judith," he demanded, "is it because--there's someone else?"

He was not sure whether she had shaken her head or not. It had become
very dark. He waited a moment, and when she said nothing, he moved a
step nearer again. They were almost touching each other, and the faint
fragrance of her hair in his nostrils, the soft roundness of her
shoulders, overwhelmed him. He trembled violently, and his voice shook.

"Judith..." The words came low but strongly. "I've--I love you. Do you
hear--I love you. I want you--can't you see it? I've loved you ever
since I knew what the word meant. I love you more now than I ever did