"So you think I arranged with your mother to have her find me in your room?" A slow anger flamed in her pale cheeks. "I may be a fool, but I'm not vile. I--I think I will go now." She drew herself out of the chair and started for the door. He followed her in a few swift strides. "Claire, this is horrible. You must let me explain." She avoided his touch with a visible shiver. "It isn't necessary. I understand only too well. I think I knew it all from the first, only I refused to let myself. I suppose my aunt threatened to put me out of the house if you didn't marry me?" "Yes," he hung his head. "But I really didn't mind, Claire. I didn't care what happened to me, and I'd always been fonder of you than any one else. Only it--it disgusted me to think you were not quite--straight." She looked at him beneath heavy lids. Her bruised eyes hurt him. "Why didn't you ask me, Alexis?" she said, simply. "How could I? I was afraid you couldn't deny it." He stepped towards her. "Oh, Claire, please forgive me if you can!" He seized her hand, but she drew it away quickly. "There's nothing to forgive, Alexis. It was quite natural that you should think as you did. And I--I was an infatuated fool. Oh, it is all a horrible muddle!" she wailed. (Tied to the body of a festering love was what he had said!) Hands to her lips to stifle a rising cry, she staggered towards the door. With a remorseful gesture, he put her cape about her shoulders. His hands where they grazed her neck were icy. (The festering body of a dead love!) The old dizziness suddenly seized her. "I must go!" she exclaimed wildly. She must not faint, she would not faint! He took her outflung hands and pressed them repentantly. "Is your taxi waiting for you?" His voice was husky. "Yes, oh yes." "Try to forgive me." As she entered the elevator his voice echoed hollowly down the hall, "Good-by." CHAPTER XVII STRANGE AND SINISTER Dr. Elliott walked over to the window and raised the sash. "There, that will do, Ito. Thank you. You may go now. Mrs. Petrovskey is coming to. If Mrs. Petrovskey, senior, should come in, please tell her I am here." He took the hot water bottle from the little Jap and placed it at Claire's feet. "If I need anything more, I'll call you." "Yes, sir." With a solicitous look towards the motionless figure on the bed, Ito trotted out of the room. Claire stirred uneasily. A moan broke from the white lips. The great sunken eyes opened slowly and rested in wonder upon the face of Dr. Elliott. "Did I faint?" He nodded. "You gave poor Ito quite a fright. Fortunately I was able to come at once. Don't worry, you'll be all right in a few minutes. Here, take this." He held a spoon to her lips and she swallowed the cloudy liquid obediently.