and never forgive him into the
bargain. In the end, he might do more good by watching over her
silently, at a distance. If it had only not been Schilsky who was
concerned! Some of the ugly stories he had heard related of the young
man rose up and took vivid shape before his eyes. If any harm came to
Ephie, he alone would be to blame for it; not Johanna, only he knew the
frivolous temptations the young girl was exposed to. Why, in Heaven's
name, had he not taken both her hands, as they stood in the passage,
and insisted on her confessing to him? No, credulous as usual, he had
once more allowed himself to be hoodwinked and put off.

Thus he fretted, without arriving at any clearer conclusion than this:
that he had unwittingly been made accessory to an unpleasant secret.
But where his mind baulked, and refused to work, was when he tried to
understand what all this might mean to the third person involved. Did
Louise know or suspect anything? Had she, perhaps, for weeks past been
suffering under the knowledge?

He stood irresolute, at the crossing where the MOZARTSTRASSE joined the
PROMENADE. A lamp-lighter was beginning his rounds; he came up with his
long pole to the lamp at the corner, and, with a mild explosion, the
little flame sprang into life. Maurice turned on his heel and went to
see Madeleine.

The latter was making her supper of tea, bread, and cold sausage, and
when she heard that he had not eaten, she set a cup and plate before
him, and was glad that she happened to be late. Propped open on the
table was a Danish Grammar, which she conned as she ate; for, in the
coming holidays, she was engaged to go to Norway, as guide and
travelling-companion to a party of Englishwomen.

"I had a letter from London to-day," she said, "with definite
arrangements. So I at once bought this book. I intend to try and master
at least the rudiments of the language--barbarous though it is--for I
want to get some good from the journey. And if one has one's wits about
one, much can be learnt from cab-drivers and railway-porters."

She traced on a map with her forefinger the route they proposed to
follow, and laughed at the idea of the responsibility lying heavy on
her. But when they had finished their supper, and she had talked
informingly for a time of Norway, its people and customs, she looked at
the young man, who sat irresponsive and preoccupied, and considered him
attentively.

"Is anything the matter to-night? Or are you on