on within forty-eight hours.
She imparted the news to Jim in a voice that must have reached Anne's
ears distinctly; but she made no sign.

Was she going to continue my punishment right through the evening? It
looked like it. If I could only have speech with her for one minute I
would win her forgiveness!

My opportunity came at last, when, after the toast of "the King," chairs
were pushed back and people formed themselves into groups.

A pretty woman at the next table--how I blessed her in my
heart!--summoned Cassavetti to her side, and I boldly took the place he
vacated.

Anne flashed a smile at me,--a real smile this time,--and said demurely:

"So you're not going to sulk all the evening--Maurice?"

This was carrying war into the opposite camp with a vengeance; but that
was Anne's way.

I expect Jim Cayley set me down as a poor-spirited skunk, for showing no
resentment; but I certainly felt none now. Anne was not a girl whom one
could judge by ordinary standards. Besides, I loved her; and she knew
well that one smile, one gracious word, would compensate for all past
capricious unkindness. Yes, she must have known that; too well, perhaps,
just then.

"I told the truth just now, though not all of it," I said, in a rapid
undertone.

"I knew you were keeping something back," she declared merrily. "And now
you have taken your punishment, sir, you may give your full
explanation."

"I can't here; I must see you alone. It is something very
serious,--something that concerns you nearly."

"Me! But what about your mysterious old man?"

"It concerns him, too--both of you--"

Even as I spoke, once more the incredibility of any connection between
this glorious creature and that poor, starved, half-demented wreck of
humanity, struck me afresh.

"But I can't tell you now, as I said, and--hush--don't let him hear; and
beware of him, I implore you. No, it's not mere jealousy,--though I
can't explain, here." I had indicated Cassavetti with a scarcely
perceptible gesture, for I knew that, though he was still talking to the
pretty woman in black, he was furtively watching us.

A curious expression crossed Anne's mobile face as she glanced across at
him, from under her long lashes.

But her next words, spoken aloud, had no reference to my warning.

"Is it true that you are leaving town at once?"

"Yes. I may come to see you to-morrow?"

"Come as early as you like--in reason."

That was all, for Cassavetti rejoine