"Yes." Mr. Mitchel paused to see whether she would ask another question after his admission. But she meant all that she had said when asserting that she trusted him. She remained silent. Mr. Mitchel continued: "Naturally Mr. Barnes is desirous of learning how much I know. There are urgent reasons why I do not wish him to do so. You have it in your power to aid me." "I will do so!" "You have not heard what it is that I wish." "I do not care what it is. I will do it if you ask me." "You are worthy of my love." He drew her gently towards him, and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I say it not in egotism, for I love you as much as man may. Were you unworthy--I should never love again." "You may trust me, Roy." Her words were simple, but there was a passion of truth contained in their utterance. "I will tell you at once, what I wish. For it must be done promptly. You must be ready--Who is that?" Mr. Mitchel spoke the last two words in a sharp tone, rising from his seat and taking a step forward. The large room was but dimly lighted, the gas having been lowered to please Emily who abhorred well-lighted rooms. At the further end some one was standing, and had attracted Mr. Mitchel's attention. It was Lucette, and she replied at once: "Your mother sent me to know if you are ready for supper, Miss Emily." "Say that we will be in, in a few minutes," replied Emily, and Lucette left the room. "Who is that girl?" asked Mr. Mitchel. Emily explained how the new maid had been engaged and Mr. Mitchel speaking in a tone louder than was really necessary, said: "She seems to be a quiet, good girl. Rather too quiet, for she startled me coming in so noiselessly. Shall we go in? What I have to tell you will keep. It is something I wish you to do for me the day after to-morrow." After supper Mr. Mitchel took the two girls and their mother to the theatre, much to the delight of the latter, who was always shocked whenever Emily went unattended by a _chaperone_. The party walked going and coming, and as Dora and her mother were ahead, Mr. Mitchel had ample opportunity to explain to his _fiancee_ the favor which he wished her to do for him. When leaving the house that night he said: "You will not see me again for a couple of days. Keep well till then." Lucette, who had overheard this remark, was, therefore, rather astonished to see Mr. Mitchel walk in the next morning as early as ten o'clock. She was still more surprised to have her mistress announce that she was going out. What puzzled her most of all was that Emily went out alone, leaving Mr. Mitchel in the parlor. In fact this seemed to give her so much food for reflection, that as though struck by the conclusions arrived at, she herself prepared to go out. As she was passing along the hall, however, the parlor door opened and Mr. Mitchel confronted her. "Where are you going, Lucette?" "I have an errand to do, sir," she replied with a slight tremor.