"Judge Kent, I am not 'worrying' over the condition of your digestive organs, but I do feel deeply interested in the nature of the trouble that has come upon you so unexpectedly, and I cannot sleep until I tell you what I have done to-night. Whatever injures you wounds Eglah, and solely on her account I felt justified in taking a step that no weaker motive could have sanctioned. I sat up to tell you that when I found you would not trust me with the truth, I hunted it by reading the note that fell this evening like a bombshell. I have no hesitation in confessing the fact. I am here for that purpose." She set her small, white teeth grimly and clasped her hands behind her. He looked down at her, as a mastiff at a barking pug, and, throwing back his head, laughed heartily, clapping his hands softly. "Bravo, Methodist burglar! You seem an expert, and find locked doors no barrier. What would Eglah think of your breaking into my room, and into my correspondence?" "Shall we ask her? Only my promise not to mention this matter to her prevents me from telling her as quickly and frankly as I have told you. May I speak to her?" "Madam, you possess an arsenal of mental reservations, and I doubt whether you can keep a promise." "I can be silent against my will, and even in defiance of my judgment. Try me." "Then consider yourself on probation. Where is my hoax of a note?" "Under your pillow, where you left it." His eyes twinkled, and his voice shook as with suppressed laughter. "A woman's curiosity cost us Eden. My dear little lady, what did you discover in my anonymous letter?" "That 'Ely Twiggs' is a terrible menace to your peace of mind." "Would you like a translation of that ugly occult phrase? It is merely a telegraphic cipher. You have conjured up a malignant chimera; rest assured it is only a dingy red-paper balloon, with a flickering taper inside. Good night. Pray allow no compunctious qualms to disturb the peace of your Methodist conscience." "No church is responsible for errors of its members, and I wish I could believe it possible that your Episcopal conscience will allow you a night of refreshing sleep. For my dear child's sake, I hoped you would confide in me, and I regret that you withhold the truth. Good night, sir." "Little foster-mother, remember your promise." He held out his hand, but she declined the overture and walked away. "My Methodist promise will bear any weight laid on it." * * * * * Without premonition, a sudden storm had swept over the city that night, and at two o'clock, when Eglah and Mr. Herriott went down the steps to enter their carriage, the stone pavement held tiny pools and rills of water. "Wait, Eglah, your slippers will be soaked." "I can run across on tiptoe." "You shall not! Permit me." He stooped, lifted her from the lower step, and placed her on the cushioned seat.