work. A lie had been told, even if it was a
lie in a good cause. If Stafford found out that he had been imposed
upon, it might make matters worse, and as to Virginia she would
certainly never forgive them.

It was not, therefore, without misgivings that Fanny opened the door
and with a cordial smile on her anxious face bade Robert Stafford
welcome.

He greeted his sister-in-law in his usual hearty manner, as if nothing
had occurred to interrupt their intimacy and friendship. But it was
easy to see that his thoughts were on one person only. Directly he
came in, his eyes wandered round the apartment in search of her and he
seemed to be listening intently as if for the sound of her voice.
Standing still and questioning Fanny with an anxious look he asked in
a low tone:

"Where is she?"

"Gone to her room, probably."

"You're sure she's not ill?" he demanded anxiously.

"Quite sure," smiled Fanny.

"That's the truth, is it?"

"Of course it is. She--she's a little tired, that's all."

He gave a deep sigh of relief and taking off his greatcoat, threw it
together with his chauffeur's cap on the sofa.

"Thank God it's only that!" he exclaimed. "Jimmie said there was
nothing the matter with her, but all the time I was coming up here I
was thinking that perhaps suddenly she--" Pausing abruptly he said:
"Tell her, please."

Without a word or attempting to enter into any explanations which,
under cross-examination, might become embarrassing, Fanny went to
Virginia's room and knocked at the door.

"It's someone to see you, Virgie!" she called out.

"To see me?" echoed Virginia in a surprised tone.

"Yes."

"Very well, I'll be there in just a minute."

Approaching her big brother-in-law Fanny gently laid her hand on his
arm. There was nothing to be said. Each understood the other.

"Be very kind to her," she said pleadingly.

"Don't worry," he smiled.

"She's had a hard time."

"So have I," he replied with some emotion.

Fanny turned away and without another word left the room. For a few
moments that seemed like years, Stafford remained alone, his eyes
fixed on the door through which would presently pass the one woman in
the whole world. It seemed like an age before she appeared. Would she
never come? Then, all at once, the door opened and Virginia appeared
on the threshold. On seeing who the visitor was, she stood like one
spellbound. The blood went from her cheeks, leaving her deathly pale.
She made a