"Thank you so much," she said. "Now I am going to make up the fire
and read for a short time. I hope that you will enjoy your supper
- well, moderately," she added, with a little laugh.

"I can promise you," he answered, "that I shall enjoy it no more than
last night's or to-morrow night's."

She sighed.

"Poor little me!" she exclaimed. "It is not fair to have to compete
with Mademoiselle Idiale. Good night!"

Something he saw in her eyes moved him strangely as he turned away.

"Would you like me," he asked hesitatingly, "supposing I get away
early - would you like me to come in and say good night to you
later on?"

Her face was suddenly flushed with joy.

"Oh, do!" she begged. "Do!"

He turned away with a smile.

"Very well," he said. "Don't shut up just yet and I will try."

"I shall stay here until three o'clock," she declared, - "until
four, even. You must come. Remember, you must come. See."

She held out to him her key.