The place was deserted. There was no one there but themselves. A sepulchral silence hung heavy over everything. It was as mournful and awe-inspiring as a city of the dead. By the time they had seen all the wonders of the garden the sun was low on the horizon. A glorious crimson glow shot up out of the west, and, flooding the heavens, tinged each surrounding object with rich color. Tired after the day's adventures, they sat on a bench at the base of a tall stone pillar, which, in the growing dark, seemed like a colossal sentinel standing guard in a camp of giants. Madison was very silent. Deep in his own thoughts, he paid little attention to his companion. "How quiet it is!" murmured Laura, almost to herself, as she contrasted the heavy stillness of the place with the roar and excitement of Broadway. "How lonely!" added Madison. Bitterly he exclaimed: "It reminds me of my own life." Quickly she looked up at him. It was unusual for him to speak of himself. "Are you lonely?" she demanded. He nodded. "Often." She looked puzzled, not understanding. "Why are you lonely? You are young and strong and clever. The world is before you----" He remained silent for a moment, without replying. In the uncertain light of the late afternoon, she could see that his eyes were fixed steadily on her. In them was a look that every woman understands, be she pure or impure. Then slowly, his deep, bass voice beautifully modulated, he said gravely: "I am lonely because I am alone. All these years, ever since I was a boy, I have spent my life alone. I have had many so-called friends--yes; but even friends do not satisfy the longing to have some one still nearer and dearer, some one to whom you can turn in trouble, some one who will be always there to share in your joys. Work--yes, I can work, but why should I strive and toil? For myself? Bah--I'm sick of it all. To live alone, as I do, is not worth the effort it costs. Sometimes I think I'd just as soon blow out my brains as not. What's the use of straining every nerve and sweating blood to make a success in life if there's no one to share success with when it comes?" She understood. A thrill ran through her entire being. Her heart throbbed violently and her lips trembled as she said gently: "Why don't you marry? Any girl would consider herself fortunate if she could go through life with such a man as you." Suddenly she winced. His big, muscular hand had caught hers and was holding it firmly in an steel-like grip. Bending over so close that she felt his warm breath on her cheek, he said hoarsely: "Do you mean that? Would you give up all that you have now--to marry me?" Something rose up in her throat and choked her. Her heart beat furiously as though it would burst. What she had foreseen and dreaded was upon her. "I?" she gasped in unaffected surprise.