--a silence which held even after the last word
had been spoken. Evelyn looked up at her nervously.

"Honour, you _are_ angry inside. I can see you are."

"No,--I am not angry," Honor answered slowly. "Where would be the use?
I am simply--astounded that you could _dare_ to run such risks with
the love of a man who is one among a thousand."

She spoke the last words with unguarded enthusiasm; not perceiving,
till they were out, the intent look on Evelyn's face.

"I knew you were friends with Theo, Honor," she said, "but I never
thought you admired him as much--as all _that_."

The girl caught the note of jealousy, and coloured to the roots of her
hair.

"I am not alone in my opinion," she said with an uneasy laugh. "There
are dozens of others who would say no less. It is only that I want you
to realise your good fortune before it is too late."

"But it _is_ too late. If he's angry now he'll be furious when he
knows. And unless I go away he will _have_ to know."

"You shall not go away. And he must never know. He has suffered enough
as it is----"

"Haven't _I_ suffered just as much? You always think of him----"

"I am thinking of you both. How much is it that you still owe these
Kresneys?"

"A hundred and fifty--no, two hundred. And I can't possibly pay it for
months and months."

By this time Honor had crossed to the chest of drawers near her bed
and had taken out a small japanned cash-box. Evelyn watched her
movements with ecstatic enlightenment.

"Honor--what _are_ you going to do?" she asked breathlessly.

But the girl neither answered nor turned her head. She took out a
small sheaf of notes, locked the cash-box, and put it away. Then
taking an envelope from her rack, she sealed and addressed it, while
Evelyn leaned against the dressing-table, white and speechless from
the shock of relief.

"The whole amount is in there," Honor said, handing her the envelope,
and speaking in a repressed voice. "Luckily I had hardly touched my
month's money. This makes you free to do as Theo wishes. I don't want
a penny of it back--ever. And Theo is never to know anything about
the whole transaction. Promise me that; and don't _dare_ to break your
word."

"I promise faithfully. Oh, Honor, you are my good angel! Shall I take
it now--at once?"

"No. Not you. I must go myself. It ought to be delivered to him in
person, and I must have a stamped receipt."

"Honor, how horrid! Just as if he were a shop! Besides--nobo