"Come out for just a few moments under the stars, and say good-night."

"The idea! I can say good-night here and now!" She hesitated.

"Please, Opal! I seldom see you alone--really alone--and this is our
last night, you know. To-morrow we shall part--perhaps forever--who
knows? Can you be so cruel as to refuse this one request. Please come!"

His eyes were wooing, her heart fluttering in response.

"Well--perhaps!" she said.

"Perhaps?" he echoed, with a smile, then added, teasingly, "Are you
afraid?"

"Afraid?--I dare anything--to-night!"

"Then come!"

"I will--if I feel like this when the time comes. But," and she gave him
a tantalizing glance from under her long lashes, "don't expect me!"

Paul tried to look disappointed, but he felt sure that she would come.

And she did! But not till he had given up all hope, and was pacing the
deck in an agony of impatience. He had felt so certain that he knew his
beloved! She came, swiftly, silently, almost before he was aware.

"Well, ... I'm here," she said.