f one illuminating phrase, she gave a low exclamation of
wonder and delight. That was all until, at last, turning to her as
though from some vision that had chained him, he saw the glow in her
eyes, the profound interest, which was like the passion of a spirit
moved to heroic undertaking. Once again it was as in the years gone
by--he trusted her, in spite of himself; in spite of himself he had now
given his very life into her hands, was making her privy to great
designs which belonged to the inner chambers of the chancelleries of
Europe.

Almost timorously, as it seemed, she put out her hand and touched his
shoulder. "It is wonderful--wonderful," she said. "I can, I will help
you. Will let you let me win back your trust--Ian?"

"I want your help, Jasmine," he replied, and stood up. "It is the last
turn of the wheel. It may be life or death to me professionally."

"It shall be life," she said, softly.

He turned slowly from her and went towards the door.

"Shall we not go for a walk," she intervened--"before I drive to the
station for Al'mah?"

He nodded, and a moment afterward they were passing along the
corridors. Suddenly, as they passed a window, Ian stopped. "I thought
Mr. Mappin went with the others to the Glen?" he said.

"He did," was the reply.

"Who is that leaving his room?" he continued, as she followed his
glance across the quadrangle. "Surely, it's Fellowes," he added.

"Yes, it looked like Mr. Fellowes," she said, with a slight frown of
wonder.

CHAPTER XIII

"I WILL NOT SING"

"I will not sing--it's no use, I will not." Al'mah's eyes were vivid
with anger, and her lips, so much the resort of humour, were set in
determination. Her words came with low vehemence.

Adrian Fellowes' hand nervously appealed to her. His voice was coaxing
and gentle.

"Al'mah, must I tell Mrs. Byng that?" he asked. "There are a hundred
people in the ball-room. Some of them have driven thirty miles to hear
you. Besides, you are bound in honour to keep your engagement."

"I am bound to keep nothing that I don't wish to keep--you understand!"
she replied, with a passionate gesture. "I am free to do what I please
with my voice and with myself. I will leave here in the morning. I sang
before dinner. That pays my board and a little over," she added, with
bitterness. "I prefer to be a paying guest. Mrs. Byng shall not be my
paying hostess."

Fellowes shrugged his shoulders, but his lips twitched with excitem