"Vera; why not trust me?" I implored, taking her hand, and seeking to penetrate the indomitable reserve in which her words were shrouded. "Once and for all, Frank, it cannot be." Her answer came short, sharp, decisive, firm, yet with ineffable sadness. "Heaven knows! I would willingly share your burden, Vera." She paused, as if in doubt. The silence grew painful, and I watched the mobile features which so plainly indexed the passing emotions of her mind. A blush, like that of shame, tinged her cheek and pallid brow as she lifted her face to mine, although her eyes were downcast. "Frank," she said, slowly, "will you help me?" "With heart and soul, dearest." "Then you _can_ do so." And she drew a deep breath. "How?" She hesitated, wavering even then, as it seemed; and the colour left her cheeks as suddenly as it had appeared. In a low voice, speaking rapidly and impetuously, she replied:-- "Briefly, you may learn this. My uncle is my guardian. He has, I believe, appropriated a large sum of money which is mine by right. Ah! I know what you would say. But I dare not prosecute or expose him, for the consequences would be almost beyond conception, and would affect myself more even than him. I am powerless!" "But I can help you?" "I'm afraid you will not consent to what I ask." "What is it? You know I cannot refuse a behest of yours." "A further annoyance, in fact a great danger, threatens me now. My dead mother's jewels--on which I place great store, for they are the only souvenir remaining of she whom I dearly loved--are now coveted by him. In vain I have besought him to let me keep them, but he is inexorable. To place them with a friend in whom I have confidence is the only course remaining; that friend lives--" "Yes, where?" "At St Petersburg." "St Petersburg!" I exclaimed, in surprise. "Oh! but, of course, it is your home?" "It is; or rather was. Had I the opportunity I would convey them there myself, braving the displeasure of my harsh relative and the punishment that would follow. Unhappily I am debarred. To trust the jewels to the post would be too great a risk, and it is only to--to such a--_confidant_ as you that I can look for assistance." "And this is all?" I asked. "You merely want me to take them to St Petersburg?" "That is all." "The commission is a slight one, Vera; you know how willingly I would undertake, for your sake, a thousand such--" "How can I ever thank you enough?" she interrupted, her face assuming a brighter expression. "I really thought it too much to ask of you." "Nothing could be too much, dearest. When shall I start?" "As soon as possible. By delay all may be lost. It is imperative you should be in Russia three weeks from to-day." "Three weeks from to-day," I echoed. "Yes, within that time, or it will be useless--my friend will have departed." "Then I am ready to set out to-morrow. Have you any message? What must I do?"