. She no longer hesitated.

"Perhaps you're right," she said. "Come, we'll see him together."

Von Barwig followed Helene through the corridors that led to the
library. She paused a moment as she stood at the door and looked
around at Von Barwig. There was a stern, cold, hard look in his face
which was new to her. "He feels the injustice as I do," thought
Helene, "and he is angry. Thank God, he will be able to clear
himself!" She turned the handle of the door and went in. Von Barwig
followed her. Stanton was sitting at a desk table, writing, as they
entered.

"There has been a mistake, father," she said.

Stanton looked up and started as if he had been struck. He saw his
daughter, and he saw the man he had wronged standing there in the
doorway like an avenging Nemesis. He tried to speak, but could not.

"What's the matter, father?" cried Helene in alarm.

"Nothing--nothing!" replied Stanton incoherently. He was trembling in
every limb.

"Helene," he said, forcing himself to speak, "I will have a word with
Herr Von Barwig alone."

"I beg your pardon for coming in unannounced, but we wanted to see you,
father," began Helene.

"Yes, yes; please excuse us now, Helene. I'll see him alone," said
Stanton, speaking with great difficulty. "Alone!" he repeated sharply.

Helene turned and looked at Von Barwig. He stood there in silence, his
slight figure seeming to tower above everything in the room. Even
Stanton, tall as he was, seemed dwarfed by the strong personality of
the music master. At this moment Joles made his appearance. "A number
of ladies have arrived, miss," he said to Helene, his quick eye
catching sight of Von Barwig without looking at him. "They are in the
reception-room."

"I must go at once," said Helene. "I forgot all about my birthday
reception."

"Young Mr. Cruger and his father are asking for you, sir," Joles said
quietly to Mr. Stanton.

"Ask them to wait--I must see this gentleman," said Stanton, indicating
Von Barwig. Joles bowed himself out. Helene was pleased that her
father acceded so readily to her wishes. She went to him and placing
her hand on his arm said in a low voice:

"Let him explain, father! I want him to come back to me. It will make
me very happy--please--this is my birthday."

Stanton nodded, but made no reply. Helene gave Von Barwig an
encouraging smile and went out of the room, quietly closing the door
after her.

Von Barwig had been studyi