“You try to make me out a devil,” I cried passionately. “They will let her alone, of course, when they find she isn’t who they want.” We slept in one another’s arms that night, fearful of every sound in the street. But morning brought the sun and Gogo--though the latter inexcusably late to his appointment--and both were a heavenly joy to me. I saw at once by his expression that he carried news; but he did not speak. “Gogo!” I whispered. He uttered a strange sound, like a wounded beast, and turned his face from me. “Did you exchange head-dresses with her last night?” he muttered. “What do you mean?” My heart seemed to stop. “They said it was your hood. She was jostled by ruffians in the street, it seems, and thrown under the traffic, and killed.” I fell on my knees before him, shuddering and hiding my face. “You didn’t mean _that_, Diana?” “Before God, no. I thought they would leave her when they found out.” He gave a heart-breaking sigh, and looked at me for the first time. “I wouldn’t go near the theatre again, if I was you. They’ll not judge you as--as favourably as I, perhaps.” “I’ve done with the theatre. Fate is very cruel. No one understands me or believes in me. At least, don’t tell Patty anything of this. I think you will break my heart among you. How did you even know I was threatened?” “Didn’t you tell me you were in danger?” I cried out to him in a sudden agony-- “I _am_ in danger. O, Gogo! for God’s sake tell me what I am to do!” Then the great human love of the creature went down before me. He fondled me, with tears and broken exclamations; he swore himself once more, through all eternity, through sin and sorrow, my bondman. Presently, without extenuation, I had confessed all to him; and he had forgiven me; had admitted, even, that I had had the reason of a better regard on my side. But as to what had happened to himself during the long interval, he would tell me nothing as yet. “I am the ex-hind legs of a dragon,” he said, “that was conquered by the Chevalière Primrose, and turned into two-thirds of a prince. I date myself from the translation. The curtain’s down on all that was before.” Now, when we came to discussing the ways and means for my escape from a desperate situation, my dear resourceful monster was ready with a suggestion at once. “The Hamilton,” said he, “sails from England in a day or two. She is disposed, by the tokens, to make a pet of you. Why not go to her; relate everything; throw yourself upon her charity, and ask to be conveyed abroad in her suite?” “Gogo! When?” I cried. It was an inspiration. “No moment like the present.” “I will go. But you must come too, to protect me.” “Of course.” “And Patty?” “All three of us together. Pack your box, pay your bill, and be ready while I wait. At the worst, ’tis something gained to shift your quarters and cover your trail.”