This was the happiest night of Carr Price's life, because Governor Estabrook had journeyed from his own state with his daughter to see the play. If he could, he would have kept me to supper in order that I might talk to the Governor while he talked to the fascinating Nora; but I had yet to learn whether there was a chance of its being the happiest night of my life, and I flashed off in my new car at the earliest moment, to find out. Down plumped my heart, however, when only Grace and Roger appeared to welcome me. 

 As soon as I dared, I invented an excuse to ask for the absent one; or rather, I blurted out what was in my mind.  "I hoped," I stammered, "to see Miss Odell again—if only for a few minutes. I felt sure it was she at the theatre. And I wanted to beg—that she'd let me try to atone—to compel Haslemere to atone." 

 "Oh, she's sorry not to meet you," Roger broke in, "But she's not strong. And she—er—was rather upset in the theatre. She doesn't go out often; and she never takes late supper. She's probably in bed by this time——" 

 "Oh, Roger, do let me tell him the truth!" exclaimed Grace.  "Think how he helped us in our trouble? What if he could help Maida? You must admit he has a mind for mysteries, and if he could put an end to the persecution which has spoiled her life, Maida wouldn't join the Sisterhood." 

 "She's going to join a Sisterhood?" I broke out, feeling as if a hand had squeezed my heart like a bath sponge. 

 "Yes," said Grace, glancing at Roger.  "You see, Rod, it slipped out!" 

 "I suppose there's no harm done," he answered.  "Only, it's for Maida to talk of her affairs. Lord John's a stranger to her." 

 "But," I said on a strong impulse, "I've taken the liberty of falling in love with Miss Odell, without being introduced, and in spite of the fact that she has a right to despise my family. This is the most serious thing that's ever happened to me. And if she goes into a Sisterhood the world won't be worth living in. Give me a chance to meet her—to offer myself——" 

 "Great Scott!" cried Roger.  "And the British are called a slow race!" 

 "Offer myself as her knight," I finished.  "Do you think I'd ask anything in return? Why, after what Haslemere did——" 

 "Oh, but who knows what might happen some day?" suggested Grace.  "Rod, I shall make 

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