Browne. "If it is a
bargain, say so. This is going to be a genuine business contract, of
which the terms are, that I am to do my best to assist your father to
escape, and in return you are to be my wife as soon as the work is
completed."

She looked at him almost tearfully. Though she felt it was her duty as
a daughter to help her father, she nevertheless could not reconcile it
to her conscience to draw the man she loved into danger. By this time
they had risen from the seat, and were standing facing each other.

"Is it to be a bargain, Katherine?"

She did not answer, but, drawing his face down to hers, she kissed him
on the lips.

"I understand," he said; "then we'll count it settled. I'll commence
work to-day, and let you know what arrangements I am able to make. You
trust me, Katherine, do you not?"

"With my whole heart and soul," she answered. "Who has ever been so
good to me as you have been?"

"That has nothing at all to do with it," he said. "Now I'll take you
down to the street, put you in a cab, and send you home to Madame to
tell, or not to tell her, as you think best, the arrangement we have
come to."

"She will thank you as I have done," said Katherine.

"I hope not," said Browne, and, as he said it, he laughed.

She saw his playful meaning, and followed his example. Then Browne
conducted her to the street, and, having placed her in a cab, sent her
home, promising to call later on in the day to report progress. When
she was safely on her way he glanced at his watch, and, finding it was
not yet twelve o'clock, turned into the Amphitryon Club. He found Maas
in the hall putting on his fur coat preparatory to leaving.

"My dear Browne," he said, "where on earth have you hidden yourself
since your arrival in Paris? We have seen nothing of you here."

"I have been too busy," Browne replied, with an air of great
responsibility. "If you only knew all that I have gone through this
morning you would be very much surprised."

"My dear fellow," said Maas, "I believe I should be nothing of the
kind. Vellencourt was married yesterday, and since I heard that news I
am past being surprised at anything. I leave for London to-night.
When do you return?"

"I scarcely know," Browne replied. "It may be to-day, and it may not
be for a week. I am sick of Europe, and am half-thinking of arranging
a yachting trip to the Farther East."

"The deuce you are!" said Maas. "What on earth has put that