ing that they meant a good deal. It was
possible--surely it was possible--that if she trusted him, he might
prove himself to be trustworthy. If only her nerves were equal to the
task! If only the terrible memory of his kiss could be blotted for ever
and ever from her mind!

She rose at last and began to move about the little state cabin. It was
furnished luxuriously in every detail--almost, she told herself with a
shiver, as though for a bride. Catching sight of her reflection in a
mirror, she stared aghast, scarcely recognising herself in the
wild-eyed, haggard woman who met her gaze. Small wonder that she had
deemed him repressive, she told herself, for she looked like a demented
creature.

That astounding glimpse did more for her than any mental effort. Quite
calmly she set to work to render her appearance more normal, and,
crippled though she was, she succeeded at length in attaining a fairly
satisfactory result. At least she did not think that a masculine eye
would detect anything amiss.

This achieved, she finally drew her travelling cloak about her and went
to the door. It resisted her effort to open, but in a moment she heard a
step on the other side and the withdrawal of a bolt.

Pierre opened the door for her, and stood back for her to pass. But she
remained on the threshold.

"Monsieur Dumaresq, why did you lock me in?" she asked him, with
something of her old stateliness of demeanour, which had made men deem
her proud.

His grey eyes comprehended her in a single glance. He made her his curt,
British bow.

"You were overwrought, Mademoiselle Stephanie," he said. "I was not sure
of your intentions. But I see that the precaution was unnecessary."

She understood him, and a faint flush rose in her pale face.

"Quite," she responded. "I have come to my senses, monsieur, and I know
how to value your protection. I shall not seek that means of escape so
long as you are safeguarding me."

She smiled with the words, a brave and steadfast smile, and extended her
hand to him.

The gesture was queenly, but the instant his fingers closed upon it she
quivered uncontrollably from head to foot. A sudden mist descended
before her eyes, and she groped out blindly for support. Her overtaxed
nerves had betrayed her again.

"Come and sit down, mademoiselle," a quiet voice said; and a steady arm
impelled her forward. "There is something of a swell to-night. I am
afraid you feel it."

So courteous was the tone tha