With these words the entire situation dawned upon him for the first time. He had been thinking only about Miss Norvell, and had permitted the rascally manager to escape with the greater portion of his stolen goods. The realization of how easily he had been tricked angered him, his face darkening. She read the truth as quickly, and, before he found speech in explanation, had swept the little pile of loose bills into her lap. "Wait here a moment, please," she exclaimed quickly; "I shall be right back." He remained as bidden, wondering dimly as to her purpose, yet her brief absence yielded but little opportunity for thought. He met her at the door with an indignantly suspicious question: "What have you been doing? Surely, you have n't given all that money away?" The girl smiled, a gleam of defiance visible in the uplifted eyes. "Every cent of it. Why, what else could I do? They actually have nothing, and must get back to Denver or starve." For an instant he completely lost his self-control. "Why did n't you tell me first?" he asked sharply. "Did you suppose I collected my own money, and could therefore meet your expenses?" He never forgot the expression which swept instantly into her face--the quick indignation that leaped from the depths of those dark eyes. "I was not aware I had ever requested any help from Mr. Winston," she returned clearly, her slight form held erect. "Your following after Albrecht was entirely voluntary, but I naturally presumed the money you brought back belonged to me. You said it did, and hence I supposed it could be disposed of at my own discretion." "You have exhibited none." "That would seem to depend entirely upon the point of view. Until I request your aid, however, your criticism is not desired." Both voice and manner were so cold that they were equivalent to dismissal, but Winston hesitated, already beginning to regret the bitter harshness of his speech. Beneath his steady gaze her cheeks flamed hotly. "We have been friends," he began more humbly. "Would you mind telling me something regarding your plans? Just now I feel unable to offer you either aid or advice." Her face perceptibly brightened, as if this new mood quickly appealed to her. "That sounds ever so much better," she admitted, glancing up into his face. "I have never enjoyed being scolded, as though I were a child who had done wrong. Besides, I am quite convinced in this case I have done precisely right. I think you would admit it also if you only had patience to hear my story. I know exactly what I intend doing, or I should never have given all that money away. I have an engagement." "An engagement? Where? Is there another troupe playing here?" She shrugged her shoulders, her hands clasped. "No, not in the sense you mean; not the legitimate. I am going to appear at the Gayety."