sees things in a half-trance, without attempting
to account for them; the door between his soul
and his senses was closed.

"I know that I have been bold in speaking to
you in this way," she said at last, seating
herself in a chair at the window. "But it was
yourself who asked me. And I have felt all the
time that I should have to tell you this before
we parted."

"And," answered he, making a strong effort
to appear calm, "if I follow your advice, will
you allow me to see you once more before you
go?"

"I shall remain here another week, and shall,
during that time, always be ready to receive you."

"Thank you. Good-bye."

"Good-bye."

Ralph carefully avoided all the fashionable
thoroughfares; he felt degraded before himself,
and he had an idea that every man could read
his humiliation in his countenance. Now he
walked on quickly, striking the sidewalk with
his heels; now, again, he fell into an uneasy,
reckless saunter, according as the changing