the money furtively. At last her desperation
gave birth to an inspiration.

About her and the general, or, rather, about the general, revolved the
usual rich man's small army of satellites of various
degrees--secretaries, butlers, footmen, valets, other servants male and
female, some of them supposed to be devoted entirely to her service,
but all in fact looking ever to the little general. The members of
this company, regardless of differences of rank and pay, were banded
together in a sort of democratic fellowship, talking freely with one
another, on terms of perfect equality. She herself had, curiously,
gotten on excellent terms with this motley fraternity and found no
small relief from the strain of the general's formal dignity in talking
with them with a freedom and ease she had never before felt in the
society of underlings. The most conspicuous and most agreeable figure
in this company was Harding, the general's factotum. Why not lay the
case before Harding? He was notably sensible, and sympathetic--and
discreet.

The following day she did so. Said she, blushing furiously: "Mr.
Harding, I find myself in a very embarrassing position. I wonder if
you can help me?"

Harding, a young man and of one of the best blond types, said: "No
doubt I can--and I'll be glad to."

"The fact is"-- Her voice was trembling with nervousness. She opened
the gold bag, took out the little silver pieces and the big copper
piece, extended her pink palm with them upon it--"there's all I've got
left of the money I brought with me."

Harding gazed at the exhibit tranquilly. He was chiefly remarkable for
his perfect self-possession. Said he: "Do you wish me to cash a check
for you?"

The stupidity of men! Tears of vexation gathered in her eyes. When
she could speak she faltered:

"No."

He was looking at her now--a grave, kind glance.

She somehow felt encouraged and heartened. She went on: "I was
hoping--that--that the gen--that my husband had said something to you
and that you perhaps had not thought to say anything to me."

Their glances met, his movingly sympathetic and understanding, hers
piteously forlorn--the look of a lovely girl, stranded and friendless
in a far strange land. Presently he said gently:

"Yes, he told me to say something to you--if you should speak to me
about this matter." His tone caused in her heart a horrible stillness
of suspense. He went on: "He said--I give you his exact word