me a thrill of apprehension I could not analyze.

"That 's the whole story," I ended, rather lamely.

"What do you think of it?"

"I--I hardly know," with slow hesitation. "It is very strange. Tell
me the young man's name again."

"Henley--Philip Henley."

"And the town?"

"Carrollton, Alabama."

"And he is in prison for crime, you say--what crime?"

"Forgery, a fourteen-year sentence."

"Did they tell you when he was sent there?"

"No; I believe not."

"And his wife has disappeared? They can find no trace of her?"

"So both men assured me."

"And this one named Neale--are you certain he is an administrator?"

"Yes, I was shown a certified copy of the will; everything seemed to be
exactly as represented."

She pressed one hand to her forehead, her eyes on the ground. I
watched her, an unasked question trembling on my lips. Suddenly she
looked up again, her cheeks flushed.

"You were going to suggest that I go with you, were you not?" she asked
swiftly. "That I play the wife's part? Why did n't you ask it?"

"Because I lacked courage," I replied frankly, yet leaning eagerly
toward her. "I was afraid you would take such a proposition wrongly."

"Then you retain some respect for me; some faith in my character?"

"I certainly do," earnestly.

"And you see nothing wrong in carrying out your part? You mean to go
to Carrollton with someone--a woman?"

"I--I agreed to the terms--yes."

She drew a long breath, her eyes upon mine.

"Then I will go also," she said soberly, and held out her hand.

"You mean that?"

"Yes--why not? Surely it is as right for me as for you. You wished me
to say yes, did you not?"

My face must have answered, as my lips failed, but she went on swiftly:

"Then I will go; only remember it is acting, a mere play in which I
have a certain part to perform. We are to be friends throughout it
all--actors on the stage. There must be no misunderstanding about
this."

I had recovered my voice now, realizing all she meant, and anxious to
reassure her.

"Certainly. There will be no mistake, Mrs. Bernard. That was why I
hesitated to ask you, for fear you might misinterpret my purpose. You
are the very woman to do this. I dreaded to have with me the kind Vail
would have sent. I am delighted--truly I am, and nothing shall occur
to cause you any regret."

"We go tonight?--I shall need clothing."

"Of course; that was what this money was advanced for, to outfi