Surprise choked back Claire's sobs. "Do you mean it? Wouldn't I be awfully in your way?" "Of course not. There is a day-bed in the studio where I can sleep. I have often used it." That was true enough. A burning mist clouded his eyes. He turned away to conceal it. With what memories of Anne was the alcove not hallowed? Eyes upon his averted face, Claire's lips quivered. "Have you given up your house in Long Island?" He avoided her glance with a sense of pity. "I still have it until the first of April. However, I always sleep in town on concert days, and very often at other times. But you needn't worry about being a nuisance, for I am leaving on tour the day after to-morrow." "Ah, yes, I had forgotten." Claire's voice sounded dreary. "There was something in the paper about it. If you will help me up, I think I'll go and dress." Their arms beneath hers, she struggled to her feet. "Do you feel able to dress?" asked Elliott as she swayed a little. "Why do you hurry?" "Yes, oh yes," she pushed the hair back from her damp brow. "I must go at once." She walked slowly towards her bedroom. The clumsy gait, the fragile, swollen body struck Alexis for the first time. Filled with compassion and a sick sort of repulsion of which he was fiercely ashamed, he turned to Dr. Elliott. "Will you please see that Claire has a nurse? A nice, cheerful one. I don't want her to be lonely. There is a cleaning woman who comes in by the day who will cook for them until we can procure some one better." "I'll telephone for one." Elliott shot a glance charged with meaning after the tragic figure retreating up the hall. "For God's sake be kind to her, Petrovskey!" He whispered huskily, as Claire's door closed behind her. Alexis passed a hand over his trembling mouth. "I'll try to, God knows! But you ought to have married her, Elliott. You could have made her happy!" he replied with aching humility. They walked slowly back to the living room. Elliott slipped into the ante-room to telephone. As he waited for his number there was a stoic, Indian savagery about his face. Wild, unbidden thoughts rose like green scum to the clear surface of his mind. If Claire's child should die, all might yet be well. The last link between her and Alexis sundered, she might possibly be induced to give him up forever. But if--it lived----! With a knowing leer, temptation nudged his elbow, puffing its vile breath into his clean nostrils. He shook the beast off angrily and responded to the operator's voice when it came with detached calm. Meanwhile, Alexis had flung himself into a chair beside the living-room table, burying his face upon its surface. For him the radiant dream was over. He had awakened to the same grim and joyless world which had once before tried to slay him.