he given me one sign of a lover's love.

"Oh, Arthur, I do love my husband! This night has proved it to me as
I never knew it before; and if you will only believe me and go back to
Leonard, I believe he can tear the mask off this horrible mystery."

Arthur turned and once more locked the door. His wife flamed red and
hearkened, and the light footfall which had tortured her for hours began
again. Suddenly she left the bed and hurried to dress.

At the mirror, with her hair lifted on her hands, she paused and again
hearkened. Sleighbells stopped at the front door.

Now some one was let in down there, and now, at her husband's room,
Giles, his English man of all work, announced Mr. Byington:--

"Yes, sir, but he says if you can't come down 'e will 'ave to come up,
sir."




VIII

GIVE YOU FIVE MINUTES


As Arthur entered the library Leonard came from its farther end, and
they halted on opposite sides of a large table. Arthur was flushed and
looked fearfully spent. Leonard was pale.