you, Mademoiselle, because M. Selpdorf knows all
about it.'

'Then tell me; I know so much already.'

'I wish I could. But I think his Excellency might prefer to tell you
himself.'

'Is it good news, then? Major Counsellor has succeeded? Then why are you
so sad?'

'Sad, Mademoiselle?' he answered with a smile. 'Men often look sad when
they are only hungry and dog-tired.'

'Then eat,' she said. 'Let me give you some wine.'

She drew him to the table and poured out a glass of wine.

'To the success of Maasau and of England,' she said. Then touching it
with her lips in the graceful fashion of Maasau, she handed it to him.

'Hark! I think I hear my father arriving, and there is something I must
say to you before he comes.'

She clasped her hands nervously, the bare shapely hands with their
gleaming rings, and Rallywood watched her and felt as if he were
dreaming.

'Captain Rallywood, I want to thank you. I can never thank you enough
for that night at Kofn Ford. I understood--pray believe I understood
it--and I think you are the noblest gentleman alive!'

Rallywood did not hesitate. There was one thing Valerie should know and
be certain of in the uncertain future.

'Give me a moment, Mademoiselle,' he exclaimed, detaining her. 'I see
you do not quite understand. I could not expect you to understand. But
now--now that I am leaving Maasau, I must tell you the truth. Perhaps
you will believe it some day. I am proud----'

'I know it, and yet you--oh, say no more! For my sake you stooped to say
it. It was not true! But I knew that.'

He took her hands between his own in a firm strong clasp.

'Listen, Mademoiselle. It was true! Since first I saw you it has always
been true!'

'I remember!' she said breathlessly. She could not help saying it.

'Do you?' he answered; the temptation to wander a little was too sweet.
'You wore this cloak,' he touched it softly with his fingers, then laid
his hand over hers deliberately, in the quiet confident way in which he
did everything and which she had grown to love, 'and ever since I have
carried the glove you despised. And though this is my good-bye, I will
carry it--always.'

'But--but----'

'Oh, I don't ask you to believe me now,' he said bitterly. 'I am not
noble, Mademoiselle. I was only too proud to say I loved you that night,
as,' with another smile, 'I was only too proud not to say it before.'

Valerie raised her face and her eyes were full of light.

'Then it