ted to tell me the little story of you two--she wanted
to forestall gossip that might hurt you in my eyes. And she gave you to
me. Harlan, I have heard of that kind of love--but I didn't believe it
existed. Did you?"

Tears were on his cheeks.

"I know her!" he choked.

She understood his answer. She waited a little while.

"And I love her above all the honors and treasures of this world!"

She stood up.

"I'm going to find her," he went on. "You understand me, don't you,
Madeleine?"

"I understand. But you shall not go to find her"--she smiled into his
startled eyes--"for she is hidden in my room, waiting to tell me
more--waiting until I tell her something that will take the burden from
her heart. I had been listening to her when my father came in with his
story; I had not made my confession. It would have comforted her--it
will comfort her, for I can tell her truthfully I have not yet met the
man I can love, Harlan--you were not the one!" She left with him the
consolation of a smile and hastened away. She did not even reproach him
because of his affair with Linton.

He stood waiting at the door. He heard the steps on the stairs. He was
ready to clasp her.

But Madeleine Presson came in alone. "The girl has gone, Harlan. The
maid said she ran away after I left her. I was a fool. I dropped your
card!"

He stood dumb and motionless.

"Gone, believing that!" he gasped.

She shook him. "But you can find her. Remember that she is young. She
believed gossip too quickly. You must find her. Hurry! She will only
have to see your eyes to know that they all lied."

He rushed to the door.

"Bring her to me," cried the girl. "I'll know how to help you."

At the railroad station he was told that the special trains had gone
with the visitors who were not in town for the ball.

He did not even know the name of the school from which she had come.

At the State House he at last found some one who had seen and known the
group--an attache of the State educational department. There was no
train that way until midnight. He took it. How he passed the time of
waiting he never knew. He was at the doors of the institution as early
as decency permitted. He did not wish to compromise her.

He was assured in a manner that left no room for doubt that Miss
Kavanagh had not returned with the others. They were much worried and
had notified her father.

Harlan sent an appealing telegram to him, daring even to solicit that
ogre