d--from the
first, to help you, as I said; be, then, a friend to me, that I may
forgive myself."

"Forgive yourself--for what? I wish to God I had the right to proclaim my
love--if you would have it, dear--to all the world. * * * And I will know
the truth, for I will find your husband, or his grave."

She looked up at him gravely, a great confidence in her eyes. "I wish you
knew how much in earnest I am--in wishing to help you. Believe me, that is
the first thought. For the rest I am--shall I say it?--the derelict of a
life; and I can only drift. You are young, as young almost as I in years,
much younger every other way, for I began with tragedy too soon."

At that moment there came a loud knock at the outer door, then a ring,
followed by a cheerful voice calling through the window--"I say, Hagar,
are you there? Shall I come in or wait on the mat till the slavey arrives.
* * * Oh, here she is--Salaam! Talofa! Aloha!--which is heathen for How
do you do, God bless you, and All hail!"

These remarks were made in the passage from the door through the hallway
into the room. As Baron entered, Hagar and Mrs. Detlor were just coming
from the studio. Both had ruled their features into stillness.

Baron stopped short, open mouthed, confused, when he saw Mrs. Detlor.
Hagar, for an instant, attributed this to a reason not in Baron's mind,
and was immediately angry. For the man to show embarrassment was an ill
compliment to Mrs. Detlor. However, he carried off the situation, and
welcomed the Afrikander genially, determining to have the matter out with
him in some sarcastic moment later. Baron's hesitation, however,
continued. He stammered, and was evidently trying to account for his call
by giving some other reason than the real one, which was undoubtedly held
back because of Mrs. Detlor's presence. Presently he brightened up and
said, with an attempt to be convincing, "You know that excursion this
afternoon, Hagar? Well, don't you think we might ask the chap we met this
morning--first rate fellow--no pleb--picturesque for the box seat--go down
with the ladies--all like him--eh?"

"I don't see how we can," replied Hagar coolly. Mrs. Detlor turned to the
mantelpiece. "We are full up; every seat is occupied--unless I give up my
seat to him."

Mrs. Detlor half turned toward them again, listening acutely. She caught
Hagar's eyes in the mirror and saw, to her relief, that he had no
intention of giving up his seat to Mark Telford.