ermit me to offer you some copies of our new prospectus, and also a
photograph of this building, as a slight souvenir of your visit here."

She fitted papers and picture into a square envelope stamped with an
anchor in red ink, and handing it to Miss Gordon, walked to the door
and opened it. On the threshold Leo turned, and looked intently into
her face:

"Are you sufficiently at leisure to allow me a little further
conversation this afternoon; or shall I call again?"

"I am entirely at your service, and shall gladly furnish any
information you may desire. Our matron has placed my time at your
disposal."

"Mr. Kendall, if you will kindly accompany the Bishop to the
wood-carving room, I can remain here a little while, to ask Sister some
questions, which would scarcely interest you gentlemen. I will join you
there, very soon. Leighton, please get an estimate of the cost of the
necessary outfit, and talk with Mr. Kendall concerning the feasibility
of sending one of our women here for a year."

Closing the door, Beryl put out both hands, and took Leo's. She stood a
moment, holding them in a tight clasp.

"Thank you, for considerately withholding a recognition that would have
embarrassed me. I hoped that the habit of our Order would in some
degree disguise me, yet, at a glance you knew me."

"Shall I infer that your history is unknown here?"

"Sister Ruth, our Matron, is thoroughly acquainted with my past life,
but she kindly respects my sorrows, and deems it unnecessary to publish
the details among the Sisterhood. Do you know me so little, that you
imagine I am capable of abusing the confidence of the head of an
establishment which mercifully shelters an outcast?"

She stepped back, and motioned her visitor to a seat near the balcony.

"I should be very reluctant to ascribe any unworthy motive to you;
therefore I fail to understand why you desire to preserve your
incognito, especially since the signal vindication of your innocence.
The news of the extraordinary discovery of the picture on the glass,
and of your complete acquittal, even of suspicion, gave me so much
pleasure that I should have written you my hearty congratulations, had
I been able to obtain your address."

"I felt assured you would rejoice with me; and because I hold your good
opinion so valuable, let me say that my happiness in the unexpected
vindication of my character was enhanced by the proud consciousness
that in your estimation I needed no