Anna stood motionless, subdued and dominated. The girl's
ardour swept her like a wind.

"Oh, can't I move you? Some day you'll know!" Sophy pleaded,
her eyes full of tears.

Anna saw them, and felt a fullness in her throat. Again the
band about her heart seemed loosened. She wanted to find a
word, but could not: all within her was too dark and
violent. She gave the girl a speechless look.

"I do believe you," she said suddenly; then she turned and
walked out of the room.



XXXII


She drove from Miss Painter's to her own apartment. The
maid-servant who had it in charge had been apprised of her
coming, and had opened one or two of the rooms, and prepared
a fire in her bedroom. Anna shut herself in, refusing the
woman's ministrations. She felt cold and faint, and after
she had taken off her hat and cloak she knelt down by the
fire and stretched her hands to it.

In one respect, at least, it was clear to her that she would
do well to follow Sophy Viner's counsel. It had been an act