palms, impersonating two
people; then, as his victim approaches, he glides behind some other
leafy screen, to appear before you, perhaps, a little later, smiling
and secretly triumphant.'

'I see!' she said, with sudden energy. 'Tell me what must--what ought
I to do?'

'Will you take my advice, with a strong reason behind it?'

'Yes,' promptly.

'Then, say nothing, do nothing, for the present. Believe me, it will
be best in the end, and an especial favour to me. I will explain more
fully at another time.' I got up and stood before her, watch in hand.
'We are due at the hospital. Do you agree?'

'To wait?' She arose quickly. 'Will it really be a favour to you?'

'It will be a great favour. It will disarrange my most cherished plans
for unmasking a villain if you make a sign too soon.'

'Then I will hold my peace; I will help you, even--can I?'

'Will you?'

'I will.' She put out her hand.

'Thank you. I will not cause you to regret your promise. Shall we go?'

* * * * *

Lossing lay eager-eyed and impatient, watching alternately his watch
and the door, when June entered, stately and charming, and came alone
straight to his cot.

There were no heroics. These were not the lovers of the popular novel,
who meet invariably, after long absence or a deadly quarrel, in an
empty parlour at early twilight; they were young and ardent, but they
were also familiar with _les convenances_, and possessed of the
nineteenth-century horror of a scene.

When she paused beside him his hand was outstretched to meet hers; and
if the clasp was close and long, what of that? And if, when she sank
gracefully into the seat placed for her by an attendant, there was a
suspicious moisture in her eyes, which she seemed to wipe away, since
her back was turned to the others; and if his lip quivered slightly,
for he was very weak you know, what then?

At first no word was spoken, but their eyes had met and exchanged
greetings, without the aid of words.

By-and-by, with his eyes devouring her face, he said feebly:

'You--have seen--Masters?'

'Yes, he brought me here.'

'And--he told--you----?'

'Everything.'

He drew a long sigh of relief, and slid his hand along the counterpane
toward hers.

'June,' appealingly.

She put her hand in his for a moment, met his eyes for an instant,
turned her own away quickly, and glanced over her shoulder; then
suddenly she began to laugh softly.

'June!' rep