ing of rather different things."

And with that she changed the subject, nor could I induce her to return
to it. I admit frankly I was a little puzzled. Her reception of my
question, perfectly honestly put, had been curiously unlike the candour
I should have expected in a girl of her strange profession, especially
considering her defiance of all conventionalities in living alone here
with two men, and sitting at this moment in the room of one of them. I
respected her the more for her hint of affronted dignity. Yet I
confess I felt bewildered.

How long we had talked I know not, when at last Tiel appeared, bringing
a very presentable tweed suit, and then they both left me, and I did
the one thing I had so firmly resolved not to do. I discarded my
uniform with what protection it gave me, and made myself liable to be
shot without question or doubt. Yet my only feeling was gladness that
I need no longer stay cooped up in my room while those two spent their
hours together downstairs.

That afternoon, when we were all three together, I asked Tiel for some
definite information regarding his scheme, and we had a long, and I
must say a very interesting, talk. The details of this plan it would
scarcely be safe to put down on paper at present. Or rather, I should
say, the outline of it, for we have scarcely reached the stage of
details yet. It is a bold scheme, as was only to be expected of Tiel,
and necessitated going very thoroughly into the relative naval
strengths of Germany and Britain, so that most of the time for the rest
of the day was taken up with a discussion of facts and figures. And
through it all Eileen sat listening. I wonder if such a talk ever
before had such a charming background?

Now at last I am in my room, writing this narrative up to this very
point. It is long past midnight, but sleep is keeping very far away
from me. The weather has changed to a steady drizzle of rain.
Outside, the night is black as pitch, and mild and windless. It may
partly be this close damp air that drives sleep away, but I know it is
something else as well.

I am actually wondering if I can marry her! She must surrender; that
is certain, for I have willed it, and what a German wills with all his
soul takes place. It must! As to her heart, I feel sure that her
kindness means what a woman's kindness always means--that a man has
only to persevere. But marriage?

I shall never meet another woman like her; that is