diplomatically--in accepting Seaton's proposal to part with his
secret to the United States Government, even with the proviso and
State pledge that it was to be "used" should occasion arise, rather
than leave him to his own devices to do as he pleased with the
apparently terrific potentiality of which he alone had the knowledge
and the mastery. And while his thoughts thus buzzed in his head like
swarming bees, Manella stood regarding him in a kind of pitiful
questioning like a child with a broken toy who can not understand
"why" it is broken. As he did not speak at once she took up the
thread of conversation.

"You see how it is no use," she said. "No use to think of his ever
loving ME! But love for HIM--ah!--that I have, and that I will ever
keep in my heart!--and to save his life I would myself gladly die!"

Gwent uttered a sound between a grunt and a sigh.

"There it is! You women always run to extremes! 'Gladly die' indeed!
Poor girl, why should you 'die' for him or for any man! That's sheer
sentimental nonsense! There's not a man that ever lived, or that
ever will live, that's worth the death of a woman! That's so! Men
think too much of themselves--they've been killing women ever since
they were born--it's time they stopped a bit."

Manella's beautiful eyes expressed bewilderment.

"Killing women? Is that what they do?"

"Yes, my good girl!--that is what they do! The silly trusting
creatures go to them like lambs, and get their throats cut! In