l my clerks have
gone home."

He got up and left the room, returning in a short time with the janitor
and his spouse. Miss Easton took the pen from Jack's hand and wrote her
name, Violet Easton, in a clear, distinct manner. The janitor subscribed
his name as one of the witnesses, and his wife did the same.

Jack thanked them both for their trouble, and they departed. He took the
document, and having placed it in an envelope, sealed it with his own
seal, and put it away in the safe.

"I don't know how I can thank you, Mr. Mordaunt. If you will kindly send
your account to me in Washington, it will be paid."

Jack protested. "I could not think of taking any pay for such a trifling
service, I assure you."

"Yes, but if I insist?"

"Oh, very well; I will do as you wish."

"And now I must be going." She rose from her chair and began drawing on
her gloves, while he sat and watched her. Suddenly an irresistible
desire seemed to take possession of him. A desire in some way to make
amends for the past.

He pushed back his chair and stood facing her. Several times he
attempted to speak, but no sound would come from his parched and burning
lips. He stretched forth his hand and took her ungloved one, the same as
he had done a year ago. It seemed to him that it was icy cold. Again he
tried in vain to say something. Slowly he drew her close, still closer
to him, until their lips again met in one long kiss.

Her lips were cold, while his were burning hot. It seemed a long, long
time before she gently disengaged herself from his embrace. A sweet
smile flitted across her pale face.

"Yes," she said, as if speaking to herself, "this is the second time,
but it will be the last. And now I must be going. Adieu!"

He went with her into the hall and down to the elevator, and saw her
into the cab. He forgot to ask her where she was staying. His brain
seemed to be on fire.

The next morning he felt far from well, and at the breakfast-table his
wife remarked upon his looks.

"Oh, it's nothing, dear; I think I am a little overworked. As soon as I
can dispose of the Farley case I shall try and get away, but it is too
important to leave before it is decided. Is there any news in this
morning's paper?"

"Nothing very startling, except I see the death of your friend Miss
Easton, in Washington."

"What!" Jack fairly grasped the table for support. "Impossible! There is
some mistake." He was now deathly white.

"Perhaps there is som