After swallowing the first few drops Anne begun to feel the effect of
the stimulant. Blanche persisted in making her empty the glass, and
refrained from asking or answering questions until her recovery under
the influence of the wine was complete.

"You have overexerted yourself this morning," she said, as soon as
it seemed safe to speak. "Nobody has seen you, darling--nothing has
happened. Do you feel like yourself again?"

Anne made an attempt to rise and leave the library; Blanche placed her
gently in the chair, and went on:

"There is not the least need to stir. We have another quarter of an
hour to ourselves before any body is at all likely to disturb us. I have
something to say, Anne--a little proposal to make. Will you listen to
me?"

Anne took Blanche's hand, and p ressed it gratefully to her lips. She
made no other reply. Blanche proceeded:

"I won't ask any questions, my dear--I won't attempt to keep you here
against your will--I won't even remind you of my letter yesterday. But
I can't let you go, Anne, without having my mind made easy about you in
some way. You will relieve all my anxiety, if you will do one thing--one
easy thing for my sake."

"What is it, Blanche?"

She put that question with her mind far away from the subject before