only the dim light made me imagine traces of tears. "Thank you for being so ready," she began in a quick undertone. "Now, listen! you must—" "Tell me what's the trouble," I broke in. "Is it burglary, or is somebody taken suddenly ill?" "There isn't any trouble," she repeated. "You must believe that, and you must do as I tell you. I'm[Pg 38] terribly sorry, but it's impossible for you to remain here any longer. You must go away—now, at once, and without knowing or asking anything. Of course there's a good reason, and of course you can be trusted not to talk or inquire. That's all. It's perfectly simple; there's nothing really surprising about it." [Pg 38] "You mean I'm to leave this minute—in the middle of the night?" "Yes; now. Don't wonder or worry. Think as well of us as you can—don't think about us at all! There's nothing the matter. I ought to have known. Accept my apologies for all of us, and—good-by." She held out her hand. "That's all very well," I said. "Of course I'll go if you wish it, and ask no questions. Only tell me when I can see you again, and if there's anything in the world I can do for you. I'll be staying at the inn." A latch-key clicked behind us, and the man I had seen at the gate tiptoed in. "All right?" he whispered. "I think so; hurry," she replied, and he passed swiftly and quietly up-stairs. She turned to me a drawn face, speaking in strained monotone.[Pg 39] [Pg 39] "You must never see me again. You mustn't stay in town, nor try to do anything. Oh, can't you understand? The only help you can give is to go—go away utterly and forget all about it as if you had never met me. Honestly I'm grateful, and I think everything good of you, but—oh, go away!" "As you please," I said. "What about my things?" "Wait a minute." She ran lightly up to the landing and returned with my suit-case, closed and strapped. I took my hat from the table by the door. "Good-by," she said. "Promise me not to try to come back." What is there in darkness and the sense of night to make even the plainest woman so lovely? She was close before me as I
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