"Listen! She had heard. There were plenty to tell her when she asked. We have given occasion for gossip. Gossip has eyes and ears and good imagination. It has even been reported that our engagement would be announced after the legislative ball. Wait! She heard all that from the first one she asked. She has told me so. She believes it!" "Believes it! What did you tell her?" "Wait, I say! I have shown patience this afternoon. I waited for her to speak. Let me tell you what she said while I waited. She said she wanted you to be a great man. She knew, so she told me, that she only brought trouble and distress to you. She wanted to see me so that she might know if I were the one who could help you in your career. I'll not tell you what she said to me about myself. She is a sweet and gracious girl, that little Clare, Harlan! She said she knew I could help you in your work in life. And she wanted to tell me the little story of you two--she wanted to forestall gossip that might hurt you in my eyes. And she gave you to me. Harlan, I have heard of that kind of love--but I didn't believe it existed. Did you?" Tears were on his cheeks. "I know her!" he choked. She understood his answer. She waited a little while. "And I love her above all the honors and treasures of this world!" She stood up. "I'm going to find her," he went on. "You understand me, don't you, Madeleine?" "I understand. But you shall not go to find her"--she smiled into his startled eyes--"for she is hidden in my room, waiting to tell me more--waiting until I tell her something that will take the burden from her heart. I had been listening to her when my father came in with his story; I had not made my confession. It would have comforted her--it will comfort her, for I can tell her truthfully I have not yet met the man I can love, Harlan--you were not the one!" She left with him the consolation of a smile and hastened away. She did not even reproach him because of his affair with Linton. He stood waiting at the door. He heard the steps on the stairs. He was ready to clasp her. But Madeleine Presson came in alone. "The girl has gone, Harlan. The maid said she ran away after I left her. I was a fool. I dropped your card!" He stood dumb and motionless. "Gone, believing that!" he gasped. She shook him. "But you can find her. Remember that she is young. She believed gossip too quickly. You must find her. Hurry! She will only have to see your eyes to know that they all lied." He rushed to the door. "Bring her to me," cried the girl. "I'll know how to help you." At the railroad station he was told that the special trains had gone with the visitors who were not in town for the ball. He did not even know the name of the school from which she had come.