love--love at first sight, which, according to him, was an electric call
from soul to soul. His kiss told her that they belonged to each other for
good or evil.

"Darling!" he said. "You are mine. I sha'n't let you go. For love of you
I'll free myself from this temporary trouble I'm in, and come back to
claim you soon. When I ask you to be my wife you'll say to me what you
_wouldn't_ have said to the other Smith?"

"If I can escape to hear you. But--you don't know Mrs. Ellsworth."

"St. George rescued the princess from the dragon: so will I, though I've
warned you I'm no saint. When we meet again I'll tell you what I am, and
perhaps my real name, which is better than Smith, though it mayn't be as
safe. Now, there are other things to say----"

But there was no time to say them, for the taxi stopped. The time seemed
so short since the Savoy that Annesley couldn't believe they were in
Torrington Square. Perhaps the chauffeur had made a mistake? She looked
out, hoping that it might be so; but before her were the darkened windows
of the dull, familiar house, 22-A. The great moment was upon them.




CHAPTER V

THE SECOND LATCHKEY