In less than an hour his card was brought to Bertha as she sat with her children. She read it with a beating heart, and, having done so, put down Meg and her picture-book.

"I will go down at once," she said to the servant.

In two minutes she was standing in the middle of the parlor, and her guest was holding her hand in his, and looking at her earnestly and curiously.

"You didn\'t expect to see me here, did you?" he said.

"No," she answered; "but you are kind to come."

"I didn\'t expect to be here myself," he said. "Where is your husband? Somebody told me he had gone away."

"He is in New York," she replied.

He gave her one of his sharp glances and drew her toward a chair.

"Sit down by me," he said. "You are in no condition to be kept standing. I want to talk to you. You mustn\'t look like that," he said. "It won\'t do. You are worn out, but you mustn\'t give up. I have come to order you to do something."

"I will do anything you tell me," she answered.

"You will? Well, that\'s good! I thought you would, too. I want you to take me to this ball that is to be given to-morrow night."

She started in amazement.

"To the ball!" she exclaimed.

"Surprises you, doesn\'t it? I supposed it would; it surprises me a little, but I want to go nevertheless, and I have a reason."

"I am sure it is a good one," she said.

[Pg 499]

"It is," he answered. "None but the best would take me there. I never went to a ball in my life. You are the reason. I am going to take care of you."

A faint, sad smile touched her lips.

"Some one has said something more against me," she said, "and you want to defend me. Don\'t take the trouble. It is not worth while."

"The place is full of lies about you," he answered, suddenly and fiercely. "And I am going ............