Ellen's eyes softened. Her façile sympathy was touched by the haggard young face, the pitiful and manly attempt at explanation. "I understand perfectly, and I'm sorry I blundered in upon you like the great cow in a China shop that I am. But now that I'm here, won't you let me say that I hope you'll soon be better, and giving us some more of your wonderful music. I've heard you so many times, and of course I couldn't help recognizing you the minute I saw your face." Going to the door, she put her hand on the knob. "I guess I'll be going now. Stay as long as you like, Anne. I'll tell them you're dead, or have acquired a sick headache from the Bacardi." Anne moved forward swiftly and joined her. "Oh, no, don't make things out quite so black as that. I'll come with you. And we'll see if we can't get rid of them. It is almost two o'clock and they ought to be leaving any minute? Then, we can return and visit with Mr. Petrovskey again. How about it?" "Great!" said Ellen. "I want to know just how you met 'an' everythin',' as Briggs says." Anne looked back at Alexis pleadingly. "Will you wait for us? I'm sure we shan't be long. Just make yourself comfortable." "Thank you, I shall be all right." He bowed stiffly as they left the room. For a moment his hatred of the world almost included Anne. Did she think he was going to remain placidly by while she and this handsome, hulking, creature discussed his affairs? No, that was too much to ask him as yet. He must get out of here at once. When Anne did not find him she would understand. Yes, he must leave at once. But how? The front stairs were impossible, judging from the voices and laughter below. To sneak down the back way like a thief, even if he knew the way, would be utterly detestable. But what else could he do? Snatching up hat and coat, he once more muffled himself to unrecognition and was starting for the door when his eye fell upon the bell-rope. The idea of summoning Thompson to show him out the back way proved a comfortable compromise to his ruffled dignity. He pulled at the pretty tasseled vanity, and awaited the outcome with inward trepidation. But it was Regina, not Thompson, who answered the summons. At sight of the muffled figure the old woman nearly screamed. But before she could utter a sound Alexis seized her by the arm. "Don't you know me, Regina?" he whispered. "The signorino Alexis!" exclaimed the old woman softly. "Does the signora know?" Alexis nodded. "I have just seen her, Regina, it's all right. She has gone downstairs again. And now I must go. Will you--will you please show me the back stairs and help me to get out without being seen? You,--you know----" Distressed at his confusion, the old woman broke in eagerly. "Si, si, Signorino, of course I understand. The signorino is not well, he does not wish to see a lot of strangers! If he will follow me?"