yelids drooped, and with a heavy sigh he sank back upon the pillows.

"He thinks he has seen a vision, and will dream on about it," whispered
Edwin. "I wonder if he will remember you to-morrow."

"Don't tell him I was here," Toinette replied quickly, drawing her hood
over her head. "Goodnight. I'm glad I've seen him, I really could not
have slept without it." Mohr silently bowed. Meantime Edwin had lighted
a small lamp and was prepared to accompany her down stairs.

"I'm making you a great deal of trouble," she said as she slowly
descended the rickety steps, "but one might easily break one's neck
here. And then, I've something to tell you, a request to make, but you
mustn't be angry with me."

"What can I do for you?"

"It's not for me, it's for your brother. Things must not go on so, he
ought to have a change, he can't spend the winter in that oppressive
atmosphere. I'm angry with myself for having managed so badly, lived so
recklessly. A fortnight ago I should have been twice as rich. But
you'll certainly treat me like an old friend and take what I have, that
he may go to some warmer climate, if not to Cairo or Madeira." He stood
still on the stairs. The hand which held the light trembled.

"And you, Toinette? What is to become of you?"

"That's a matter of no consequence. Surely you know that 'My Highness'
must end sooner or later, and I shall not have been utterly useless at
last."

"Toinette! What are you saying! You're jesting, and I--in all
seriousness, do you suppose I would accept your offer?"

"You would be very unwise if you did not. Do you call yourself a
philosopher and still cling to such foolish prejudices? What can one
human being give another that deserves less thanks than miserable
money? I thought you despised it as much as I. But I see you're no
wiser than other men, who don't hesitate a moment to take everything
from a girl, love and life and honor, but who when the point in
question concerns a few paltry pieces of money, become stiff-necked
from an incomprehensible pride. Go! I see you don't love your brother
even as well as I do."

In her indignation she ran down the stairs and crossed the courtyard so
rapidly, that in following her his candle was blown out.

As he helped her into the carriage, he whispered: "We'll discuss this
matter another time. But whatever I do or leave undone, I thank you,
Toinette, thank you from the bottom of my heart, for having been so
sisterly, so kind, so-