allow it now. I will see that Miss Grayle is properly sheltered and cared
for to-night by a lady whose kindness will make her forget what she has
suffered. As soon as possible we shall be married by special licence. Go
to your room, dearest, and put together a few things for to-night and
to-morrow morning--just what will fit into a hand-bag. If there's
anything else you value, it can be sent for later. Then I'll take you
away."

The words were brave and comforting, and a wave of emotion swept
Annesley's soul toward the mysterious, unknown soul of her knight. It
was so strong, so compelling a wave that she had no fear in trusting,
herself to him. He was her refuge, her protector.

For a moment of gratitude she even forgot he was mysterious, forgot that
a few hours ago she had been ignorant of his existence. When remembrance
flooded her brain, her only fear was for him. What if the watchers should
still be there when they went out of the house together?

She had turned to go to her room as he suggested when suddenly this
question seemed to be shouted in her ear. Hesitating, she looked back,
her eyes imploring, to meet a smile so confident that it defied fate.

Annesley saw that he understood what was in her mind, and this smile was
the answer. For some reason he thought himself sure that the watchers
were out of the way. The girl could not guess why, unless he had spied on
the taxi from Ruthven Smith's window and saw it go. But she would soon
learn.

Her room was a mere bandbox at the back of the "addition," behind Mrs.
Ellsworth's bedroom and bath; and dashing into it now, the new, vividly