you say that?' I
assured her I could, and she tried to believe, but she concluded that I
only _thought_ I could be that strong.

"Then she told me it had been months since she talked to anyone without
being afraid; that she felt at once it would be safe to talk with me;
that so much she wanted to tell had been shut up like a swelling in her
throat--'ah, God, so long!'... 'And then you would say with a laugh--as
you tell me,' the Senora went on, as if memorizing my method. Her lips
mumbled and trailed the words, so deep was the effort of her mind. 'You
would say, "Senor Rey, you have drunk too much wine!" and he would
answer with a laugh, too, "It is true, no doubt, as you say. I am an
old and a very foolish man, my dear Senorita Mallory!" and you would
smile and think of it no more.' The Glow-worm laughed in a lost,
mirthless way, and held me tightly as she finished, 'But that very
night, just the same, you would find yourself with him! And he would
laugh at you then and say, coming closer, "Forgive an old and foolish
man."'

"I was startled at the way she said it," Miss Mallory concluded. "'You
mean he would have me anyway?' I said.... 'Yes,' the Glow-worm replied
wearily. 'My lord gets what he desires--all but his youth--he cannot
get that--and his fear of hell--he cannot get rid of that! And he is
afraid to die!' She spoke the last triumphantly, as if it were the only
happy thing she could think of.... That was last night--and that is
all.... To-morrow evening join me in the lobby a little before
eight.... Here comes the servant and we must talk about orchids--until
I finish this sherbet----"

The following evening Bedient met Miss Mallory in the main hall, and
exceeding cleverness was required to impart her information, as they
moved together among the crowd.

"The handsome man is here. I saw him last night," she said, without the
faintest trace of excitement. "I am beginning to share some of the
Glow-worm's fear of Senor Rey. It's all tremendously thrilling. The
place is a mine of terrors--all the worse for this beautiful setting
and the gardens.... The Sorensons are the horrible Russian pair. I met
them at dinner in the Flamingo Room, and after listening to the Senora,
the courtesies of the Spaniard were like so many cold shuddery waves of
dread. Again last night, after the dinner, the Glow-worm drew me into
her boudoir and poured into my ears months of accumulated toxins of
hate and fear----"

"I'm sorry t