"No, I know! You thought that I only cared for you because----You told me that I was heartless and mercenary, you remember, Drake. But, ah; it wasn't true! Yes, I've been brought up at a bad school. I've been taught that it's a sacred duty for every girl, as poor as I am, to make a good match; and I thought--see how frank I am!--that I could part from you, oh, not easily, but without breaking my heart. But I--I was mistaken! I miss you so dreadfully! There is not another man in the world I can care for, or even dream of caring for." "Hush!" he said sternly. There was always something impressive about Drake, a touch of the manliness which is somewhat rare nowadays, the manliness which women are so quick to acknowledge and bow to; and Lady Luce shrank a little; but her hand tightened on his arm, and her brown, velvety eyes dimmed with genuine tears--for she was more than anxious, and more than half in love with him--looked up at him penitently, imploringly. "Drake--you believe me?" she whispered. "Don't--don't punish me too badly! See, I am at your feet--a woman--Drake"--her voice sank to a whisper, became almost inaudible, and her head drooped forward until it nearly rested on his breast. "Drake--forgive--me and----" Her voice broke suddenly. He was moved to something like pity. Is there any man alive who can resist the prayer, the touch of a beautiful woman, especially if she is the woman he has once loved? If such a man there be, his name is not Drake Selbie. "Hush!" he said again, but in a gentler voice. "God knows, I loved you, Luce----" She uttered a faint cry. It was no louder than the sough of the night breeze. "Drake--Drake! ah, Drake!" she breathed, her face lifted to his, her other hand touching his breast. "Say it again! It's the sweetest music I've heard since--since----Say it again, Drake. I won't ask for any more----" "Don't!" he said hoarsely. The caress of her hand made him miserable; it had no power to thrill him now. "I want to tell you, Luce----" "No--no," she said quickly, eagerly. "Don't scold me to-night. I am so happy now. It is as if I had come back to life. Say it once more, Drake. Just 'I forgive you'!" "I forgive you; but, listen, Luce," he added quickly. She slid her white arm round his neck, and drew his head down and kissed him. The next moment, before he could say a word, she drew away from him quickly. "Go in--I will come presently," she said. "There is some one--there is a door." Confused, almost hating her for the kiss she had stolen--with Nell flashing on his mind--he turned and entered the house by the door to which she had pointed. She stood for a moment, then she went toward Lady Chesney. Her face was pale, but there was a smile on her lips, a glow of triumph in her brown eyes, as she paused in the light from the open window. Lady Chesney looked at her, then laughed.