ement he
came face to face with two cloaked figures, one of whom stopped short and
called him by name. It was Berenice!

"You!" he exclaimed, more than ever sure that he was not properly awake.

"Is it so wonderful?" she answered. "To tell you the truth, I was not
sleepy, and I felt like a little walk. You can go back now, Bryan," she
said, turning to her maid. "Mr. Mannering will see me home."

As though by mutual consent they crossed to the sea-wall.

"What made you come out again?" she asked. "No, don't answer me! I think
that I know."

"Impossible," he murmured.

"I was going up to my room," she said, "and as I passed the landing
window which looks into the courtyard I saw you talking to your wife.
I--I am afraid that I watched. I saw her leave you."

"Yes!"

"What was it that she gave you? What is it that you have in your hand?"

He opened his fingers. She turned her head away. It seemed to him an
eternity that she stood there. When she spoke her voice was scarcely more
than a whisper.

"Lawrence," she said, "we have been very selfish, you and I! There have
been no words between us, but I think the compact has been there all the
same. It seemed to me somehow that it was a compensation, that it was
part of the natural order of things, that as our own folly had kept us
apart, you should still belong to me--in my thoughts. And I have no right
to this, or any share of you, Lawrence."

He drew a little nearer to her. She moved instantly away.

"I am glad," she said, "that our party breaks up to-morrow. When we meet
again, Lawrence, it must be differently. I am parting with a great deal
that has been precious to me, but it must be. It is quite clear."

"I made no promise!" he cried, hoarsely. "I did not mean--"

She stopped him with a swift glance.

"Never mind that. You and I are not of the race of people who shrink from
their duty, or fear to do what is right. Your wife's face taught me mine.
Your conscience will tell you yours."

"You mean?" he exclaimed.

"You know what I mean. We shall meet again, of course, but this is none
the less our farewell. No, don't touch me! Not even my hand, Lawrence.
Don't make it any harder. Let us go in."

But he did not move. The place where they stood was deserted. From below
the white spray came leaping up almost to their faces as the waves beat
against the wall. Behind them the town was black and deserted, save where
a few lights gleamed out from the hotel. She