ld, as she continued: "There is the door. I hope
you will never darken it again."

She again started to leave the room, and he again detained her. He knew
that disgrace would follow exposure, and, being determined to silence
her at any cost, said angrily:--

"If you tell your father, I will take from him his store, his home, his
farm. He owes me more than all combined are worth. If you will not
listen to me through love, you shall do so from fear. I am sorry, very
sorry, for what happened. I know the consequences if you speak of it. No
one can be made to understand exactly how it happened, and I will
protect myself; of that you may be sure. If you speak of what I did,
driven to it by my love for you, I say I will turn your father and
mother into the street. They will be penniless in their old age. Your
brother Tom is a thief. He has been stealing from me ever since he came
to my office. Only last night I laid a trap for him and caught him in
the act of stealing fifty dollars. He took the money and lost it at
Welch's gambling saloon. He has taken, in all, nearly a thousand
dollars. I have submitted to his thefts on your account. I have extended
your father's notes because he is your father. But if you tell any one
that I--I kissed you to-night, or if you repeat what I have told
concerning your father and brother, your parents go to the street, and
Tom to the penitentiary. Now, do you understand me?"

"Yes."

"Will you remain silent?"

"Yes."

Then he took his hat, saying, "I have been beside myself to-night, but
it was through love for you, and you will forgive me, won't you?"

"Yes."

"And I may come again?" he asked.

"Yes."

"And we will forget all that has happened this evening and you will be
my friend?"

"Yes."

"If you will forgive me," he continued, recovering his senses, "and will
allow me the sweet privilege of your friendship, I promise never again
to speak of my love until you have given me permission. Shall it be a
compact?"

"Yes," murmured the girl.

"Will you give me your hand?" he asked. She offered the hand, and he
clasping it, said:--

"You have much to forgive, but your heart is full of gentleness, and you
have promised."

"Yes, I have promised," she returned huskily.

"Good night, Rita."

"Good night."

The girl hurried to her room, and, almost unconscious of what she was
doing, dressed for the night. During the first few minutes after she had
extinguished the candle and