"YoumustdoasIask，"hedeclaredhoarsely。"Itdoesn'tmatteraboutpricesbeingbetter。Iwanttogetaway。Youmusthelpme。"
　　Lavericklookedathimsteadily。Morrisonwasanordinaryyoungmanofhistype，somethingofaswaggerer，probablyatheartacoward。Butthiswasnoordinaryfear-noteventheordinaryfearofacoward。Laverick'sfacebecamegraver。Therewassomethingelse，then！
　　"IwillgetyououtofthecountryifIcan，"saidhe。"Thereisnodifficultyaboutitatallunlessyouareconcealingsomethingfromme。Youcancatchafaststeamerto-morrow，eitherforSouthAfricaorNewYork，butbeforeImakeanydefiniteplans，hadn'tyoubettertellmeexactlywhathappenedlastnight？"
　　OncemoreMorrison'slipspartedwithouttheabilitytoframewords。
　　Thenafeeblemoanescapedhim。Hethrewuphishandsandhisheadfellback。Theghastlinessofhisfacespreadalmosttohislips，andhesankbackamongthepillows。Laverickstrodeacrosstheroomtothedoor。
　　"Areyouanywhereabout？"hecalledout。
　　Thegirlwasbyhissideinamoment。
　　"Thereisnothingtobealarmedat，"hesaid，"butyourbrotherhasfainted。Bringmesomesalvolatileifyouhaveit，andIthinkthatyouhadbetterrunoutandgetadoctor。Iwillstaywithhim。
　　Iknowexactlywhattodo。"
　　Shepointedtothedressing-table，wherealittlebottlewasstanding，andrandownstairswithoutaword。Laverickmixedsomeofthespirit，andmovedovertothesideofthefaintingman。
　　CHAPTERXV
　　LAVERICK'sPARTNERFLEES
　　Thedoctor，agrave，incuriousperson，arrivedwithinafewminutestofindMorrisonalreadyconsciousbutabsolutelyexhausted。Hefelthispatient'spulse，prescribedadraught，andfollowedLaverick。downintothesittingroom。
　　"Anordinarycaseofnervousexhaustion，"hepronounced。"Thepatientappearstohavehadaverysevereshocklately。Hewillbeallrightwithproperdietandtreatment，andacompleterest。I
　　willcallagainto-morrow。"
　　HeacceptedthefeewhichLaverickslippedintohishand，andtookhisdeparture。OncemoreLaverickwasalonewiththegirl，whohadfollowedthemdownstairs。
　　"Thereisnothingtobealarmedat，yousee，"heremarked。
　　"Itisnothishealthwhichfrightensme。Iamsure-Iamquitesurethathehassomethinguponhismind。Didhetellyounothing？"
　　"Nothingatall，"Laverickanswered，withaninwardsenseofthankfulness。"Totellyouthetruth，though，Iamafraidyouarerightandthathedidgetintosomesortoftroublelastnight。Hewasjustabouttotellmesomethingwhenhefainted。"
　　Upstairstheycouldhearhimmoaning。Thegirllistenedwithpitifulface。
　　"WhatamItodo？"sheasked。"Icannotleavehimlikethis，andifIamnotatthetheatreintwentyminutes，Ishallbefined。"
　　"Thetheatre？"Laverickrepeated。
　　Shenodded。
　　"Iamonthestage，"shesaid，-"onlyachorusgirlattheUniversal，worseluck。Still，theydon'tallowustostayaway，andIcan'taffordtolosemyplace。"
　　"Doyoumeantosaythatyouhavebeenkeepingyourselfhere，then？"
　　Laverickaskedbluntly。
　　"Ofcourse，"sheanswered。"Idonotliketobeaburdenonanyone，andafterall，yousee，ArthurandIarereallynotrelatedatall。Hehasalwaystoldme，too，thattimeshavebeensobadlately。"
　　LaverickwasonthepointoftellingherthatbadthoughtheyhadbeenArthurMorrisonhadneverdrawnlessthanfifteenhundredayear，buthecheckedhimself。Itwasnothisbusinesstointerfere。
　　"Ithink，"hesaid，"thatyourbrotheroughttohaveprovidedforyou。Hecouldhavedonesowithverylittleeffort。"
　　"ButwhatamItodonow？"sheaskedhim。"IfIamabsent，Ishalllosemyplace。"
　　Laverickthoughtforamoment。
　　"Ifyouwentroundthereandtoldthem，"hesuggested，"wouldthatmakeanydifference？Icouldstayuntilyoucameback。"
　　"Doyoumind？"sheaskedeagerly。"Itwouldbesokindofyou。"
　　"Notatall，"heanswered。"Perhapsyouwouldbegoodenoughtobringataxicabback，andIcouldtakeitontomyrooms。Takeonefromhere，ifyoucanfindit。Therearealwayssomeatthecorner。"
　　"I'dloveto，"sheanswered。"Imustrunupstairsandgetmyhatandcoat。"
　　Hewatchedhergoupontiptoeforfearofdisturbingherbrother。
　　Herfeetseemedalmostunearthlyinthelightnessoftheirpressure。
　　Notaboardcreaked。Sheseemedtofloatdowntohiminamostbecominglittlehatbutashockinglyshabbyjacket，ofwhosedeficienciessheseemedwhollyunaware。Herlipswerepartedoncemoreinasmile。
　　"Heisfastasleepandbreathingquiteregularly，"sheannounced。
　　"Itisniceofyoutostay。"
　　Helookedatheralmostjealously。
　　"Doyouknow，"hesaid，"yououghtnottogoaboutalone？"
　　Shelaughed，softlybutheartily。
　　"HaveyouanyideahowoldIam？"
　　"ItookyouforfourteenwhenIcameinside，"heanswered。
　　"AfterwardsIthoughtyoumightbesixteen。Lateron，itseemedtomepossiblethatyouwereeighteen。Iamabsolutelycertainthatyouarenotmorethannineteen。"
　　"Thatshowshowlittleyouknowaboutit。Iamtwenty，andIamquiteusedtogoingaboutalone。Willyousitupstairsorhere？
　　IamsosorrythatIhavenothingtoofferyou。"
　　"Thanks，Ineednothing。IthinkIwillsitupstairsincasehewakes。"
　　Shenoddedandstoleout，closingthedoorbehindhernoiselessly。
　　Laverickwatchedherfromthewindowuntilshewasoutofsight，movingwithoutanyappearanceofhaste，yetwithanincredibleswiftness。Whenshehadturnedthecorner，hewentslowlyupstairsandintotheroomwhereMorrisonstilllayasleep。Hedrewachairtothebedsideandleaningforwardopenedouttheeveningpaper。Theeventsofthelasthourorsohadcompletelyblottedoutfromhismind，forthetimebeing，hisownexpeditionintotheworldoftragicalhappenings。Heglancedatthesleepingman，thenopenedhispaper。Therewasverylittlefreshnewsexceptthatthistimethefactwasmentionedthatuponthebodyofthemurderedmanwasdiscoveredasumlargerthanwasatfirstsupposed。Itseemeddoubtful，therefore，whetherrobbery，afterall，wasthemotiveofthecrime，especiallyasittookplaceinaneighborhoodwhichwasbynomeansinfestedwithcriminals。Therewasasuggestionofpoliticalmotive，areferencetothe"BlackHand，"concerningwhosedoingsthepapershadbeenfullsincethemurderofawell-knowndetectiveafewweeksago。Butapartfromthistherewasnothingfresh。
　　Laverickfoldedupthepaperandleanedbackinhischair。Thestrainofthelasttwenty-fourhourswasbeginningtotellevenuponhisrobustconstitution。Theatmosphereoftheroom，too，wasclose。
　　Heleanedbackinhischairandwassuddenlyweary。Perhapshedozed。Atanyrate，thewhisperwhichcalledhimbacktorealizationofwherehewas，cametohimsounexpectedlythathesatupwithasuddenstart。
　　Morrison'seyeswereopen，hehadraisedhimselfonhiselbow，hislipswereparted。Hismannerwasquieter，buttherewereblacklinesdeepengravenunderhiseyes，inwhichtherestillshonesomethingofthathauntingfear。
　　"Laverick！"herepeatedhoarsely。
　　Laverick，fullyawakenednow，leanedtowardshim。
　　"Hullo，"hesaid，"areyoufeelingmorelikeyourself？"
　　Morrisonnodded。
　　"Yes，"headmitted，"Iamfeeling-better。Howdidyoucomehere？
　　Ican'trememberanything。"
　　"Yousentforme，"Laverickanswered。"Iarrivedtofindyouprettywellinastateofcollapse。Yoursisterhasgoneroundtothetheatretoaskthemtoexcuseherthisevening。"
　　"IremembernowthatIsentforyou，"Morrisoncontinued。"Tellme，hasanyonebeenaroundattheofficeaskingafterme？"
　　"Nooneparticular，"Laverickanswered，-"nooneatallthatIcanthinkof。Therewereoneortwoinquiriesthroughthetelephone，buttheywereallordinarybusinessmatters。"
　　Themanonthebeddrewalittlebreathwhichsoundedlikeasighofrelief。
　　"Ihavemadeafoolofmyself，Laverick，"hesaidhoarsely。
　　"Youaremakingaworseoneofyourselfbylyinghereandgivingway，"Laverickdeclared，"besidesfrighteningyoursisterhalftodeath。
　　Morrisonpassedhishandacrosshisforehead。
　　"Wetalked-sometimeago，"hewenton，"aboutmygettingaway。
　　Youpromisedthatyouwouldhelpme。YousaidthatIcouldgetofftoAfricaorAmericato-morrow。"
　　"Nottheslightestdifficultyaboutthat，"Laverickanswered。"Therearehalf-a-dozensteamerssailing，atleast。Atthesametime，I
　　supposeIoughttoremindyouthatthefirmisgoingtopullthrough。
　　Mind-don'ttakethisunkindlybutthetruthisbest-Iwillnothaveyoubackagain。Theremayhavetobeamoredefinitereadjustmentofouraffairsnow，buttheoldbusinessisfinishedwith。"
　　"Idon'twanttocomeback，"Morrisonmurmured。"Ihavehadenoughofthecityfortherestofmylife。I'drathergetawaysomewhereandmakeafreshstart。You'llhelpme，Laverick，won'tyou？"
　　"Yes，Iwillhelpyou，"Laverickpromised。
　　"Youwerealwaysagoodsort，"Morrisoncontinued，"muchtoogoodforme。Itwasarottenpartnershipforyou。Wecouldneverhavepulledtogether。"
　　"Letthatgo，"Laverickinterrupted。"Ifyoureallymeangettingaway，thatsimplifiesmatters，ofcourse。Haveyoumadeanyplansatall？Wheredoyouwanttogo？"
　　"ToNewYork，"answeredMorrison；"NewYorkwouldsuitmebest。
　　Thereismoneytobemadethereifonehassomethingtomakeastartwith。"
　　"Therewillbesomemoremoneytocometoyou，"Laverickanswered，"probablyagreatdealmore。Ishallplaceouraffairsinthehandsofanaccountant，andshallhaveanestimatedrawnuptoyesterday。
　　Youshallhaveeverypennythatisduetoyou。Youhavequiteenough，however，togettherewith。Iwillseetoyourticketto-night，ifpossible。Whenyou'vearrivedyoucancablemeyouraddress，oryoucandecidewhereyouwillstaybeforeyouleave，andIwillsendyouafurtherremittance。"
　　"You'reagoodsort，Laverick，"Morrisonmumbled。
　　"You'dbettergivemethekeyofyourrooms，"Laverickcontinued，"andIwillgobackandputtogethersomeofyourthings。Isupposeyouwillnotwantmuchtogoawaywith。Therestcanbesentonafterwards。Andwhataboutyourletters？"
　　Morrison，withasuddenmovement，threwhimselfalmostoutofthebed。HeclutchedatLaverick'sshoulderfrantically。
　　"Don'tgonearmyrooms，Laverick！"hebegged。"Promisemethatyouwon't！Idon'twantanyletters！Idon'twantanyofmythings！"
　　Laverickwasdumfounded。
　　"Youmeanyouwanttogoawaywithout-"
　　"ImeanjustwhatIhavesaid，"Morrisoncontinuedhysterically。
　　"Ifyougotheretheywillwatchyou，theywillfollowyou，theywillfindoutwhereIam。Ishouldbetherenowbutforthat。"
　　Laverickwassilentforamoment。Thematterwasbecomingserious。
　　"Verywell，"hesaid，"Iwilldoasyousay。Iwillnotgonearyourrooms。Iwillgetyouafewthingssomewheretostartwith。"
　　Morrisonsankbackuponhispillow。
　　"Thankyou，Laverick，"hesaid；"thankyou。Iwish-Iwish-"
　　Hisvoiceseemedtodieaway。Laverickglancedtowardshim，wonderingattheunfinishedsentence。Onceagaintheman'sfaceseemedtobeconvulsedwithhorror。Heflunghimselffacedownwarduponthebedandtoreatthesheetswithbothhishands。
　　"Don'tbeafool，"Lavericksaidsternly。"Ifyou'veanythingonyourmindapartfrombusiness，tellmeaboutitandI'lldowhatIcantohelpyou。"
　　Morrisonmadenoreply。Hewassobbingnowlikeachild。Laverickrosetohisfeetandwenttothewindow。Whatwastobedonewithsuchacreature！Whenhegotback，Morrisonhadraisedhimselfoncemoreintoasittingposture。Hisappearancewasabsolutelyspectral。
　　"Laverick，"hesaidfeebly，"thereissomethingelse，butIcannottellyou-Icannottellanyone。"
　　"Justasyouplease，ofcourse，"Laverickanswered。"Iamsimplyanxioustohelpyou。"
　　"Youcandothatasitis！"Morrisonexclaimedfeverishly。"Youmustpromisemesomething-promisethatifanyoneasksformeto-morrowbeforeIgetaway，youwillnottellthemwhereIam。
　　SayyousupposethatIamatmyrooms，orthatIhavegoneintothecountryforafewdays。Saythatyouareexpectingmeback。
　　Don'tletanyoneknowthatIhavegoneabroad，untilIamsafelyaway。Andthendon'ttellasoulwhereIhavegone。"
　　"Haveyoubeenuptoanytrickswithyourfriends？"Laverickaskedsternly。
　　"Ihaven't-IswearthatIhaven't，"Morrisondeclared。"It'ssomethingquiteoutsidebusiness-quiteoutsidebusinessaltogether。"
　　"Verywell，"answeredLaverick，"Iwillpromisewhatyouhaveasked，then。Listen-hereisyoursisterbackagain，"headded，asheheardthetaxicabstopoutside。"Pullyourselftogetheranddon'tfrightenhersomuch。Iamgoingdowntomeether。Ishalltellherthatyouarebetter。Tryandbuckupwhenshecomesintoseeyou。"
　　"I'lldomybest，"Morrisonsaidhumbly。"Ifyouknew！Ifyouonlyknew！"
　　Hebegantosobagain。Lavericklefttheroomand，descendingthestairs，metthegirlinthehall。Herwhitefacequestionedhimbeforeherlipshadtimetoframethespeech。
　　"Yourbrotherisverymuchbetter，"Lavericksaid。"Iamsurethatyouneednotbeanxiousabouthim。"
　　"Iamsoglad，"shemurmured。"TheyletmeoffbutIhadtopayafine。IhadnoideabeforethatIwassoimportant。ShallIgotohimnow？"
　　"Onemoment，"Laverickanswered，holdingopenthedoorofthesitting-room。"MissMorrison，"hewenton，-
　　"MissLenevenismyname，"sheinterrupted。
　　"Ibegyourpardon。Yourbrotherevidentlyhassomethingonhismindapartfrombusiness。Iamafraidthathehasbeengettingintosomesortoftrouble。Idon'tthinkthereisanyobjectinbotheringhimaboutit，butthegreatthingistogethimaway。"
　　"Youwillhelp？"shebegged。
　　"Iwillhelp，certainly，"Laverickanswered。"Ihavepromisedto。
　　Youmustseethatheisreadytoleavehereatseveno'clockto-morrowmorning。HewantstogotoNewYork，andthespecialtocatchtheGermanboatwillleaveWaterloosomewhereabouteighttoeight-thirty。"
　　"Buthisclothes！"shecried。"Howcanhebereadybythen？"
　　"Yourbrotherdoesnotwishmeoranyonetogonearhisroomsortosendhimanyofhisbelongings，"Laverickcontinuedquietly。
　　"Buthowstrange！"thegirlexclaimed。"Doyoumeantosay，then，thatheisgoingwithoutanything？"
　　"Iamafraid，"Lavericksaidkindly，"thatwemusttakeitforgrantedthatyourbrotherhasgotmixedupinsomeundesirablebusinessorother。Heisnervouslyanxioustokeephiswhereaboutsanentiresecret。Hehasbeenaskingmewhetheranyonehasbeentotheofficetoinquireforhim。Underthecircumstances，Ithinkthebestthingwecandoistohumorhim。Ishallbuyhimbeforeto-morrowmorningacheapdressing-caseandaready-madesuitofclothes，andafewthingsforthevoyage。ThenIshallsendacabforyoubothatseveno'clockandmeetyouatthestation。
　　"Youareverykind，"shemurmured。"WhatshouldIhavedonewithoutyou？Oh，Icannotthink！"
　　Theprotectiveinstinctinthemanwassuddenlystrong。Naturallyunaffectionate，hewasconsciousofanalmostovermasteringdesiretotakeherhandsinhis，eventoliftherupandkissawaythetearswhichshoneinherdeep，childlikeeyes。Heremindedhimselfthatshewasastranger，thatherappearanceofyouthwasadelusion，thatshecouldonlyconstruesuchanactionasaliberty，animpertinence，offeredundercircumstancesforwhichtherecouldbenopossibleexcuse。
　　Hemovedawaytowardsthedoor。
　　"Naturally，"hesaid，"Iamgladtobeofusetoyourbrother。Yousee，"heexplained，alittleawkwardly，"afterall，wehavebeenpartnersinbusiness。"
　　Hecaughtalookuponherfaceandsmiled。
　　"Naturally，too，"hecontinued，"ithasbeenagreatpleasureformetodoanythingtorelieveyouranxiety。"
　　Shegavehimherhandsthenofherownaccord。Thegratitudewhichshoneoutofherswimmingeyesseemedmingledwithsomethingwhichwasalmostinvitation。Laverickwassuddenlysweptoffhisfeet。
　　Somethinghadcomeintohislife-somethingabsurd，uncountedupon，incomprehensible。Theatmosphereoftheroomseemedelectrified。
　　Inamoment，hehaddonewhatonlyasecondortwobeforehehadtoldhimselfwouldbetheactionofacad。Hehadtakenher，unresisting，upintohisarms，kissedhereyesandlips。Afterwards，hewasneverabletorememberthosefewmomentsclearly，onlyitseemedtohimthatshehadacceptedhiscaressalmostwithouthesitation，withtheeffortlessserenityofachildreceivinganaturalconsolationinatimeoftrouble。ButLaverickwasconsciousofotherfeelingsasheleanedhardbackinthecornerofhistaxicabandwasdrivenswiftlyaway。
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　THEWAITERATTHE"BLACKPOST"
　　Laverick，notwithstandingthatthehourwasbecominglate，foundanoutfitter'sshopintheStrandstillopen，andmadesuchpurchasesashecouldonMorrison'sbehalf。Then，withthebagreadypacked，hereturnedtohisrooms。Timehadpassedquicklyduringthelastthreehours。Itwasnearlynineo'clockwhenhesteppedoutoftheliftandopenedthedoorofhissmallsuiteofroomswiththelatchkeywhichhungfromhischain。Hebegantochangehisclothesmechanically，andhehadnearlyfinishedwhenthetelephonebelluponhistablerang。
　　"Who'sthat？"heasked，takingupthereceiver。
　　"Hall-porter，sir，"wastheanswer。"Personherewishestoseeyouparticularly。"
　　"Aperson！"Laverickrepeated。"Manorwoman？"
　　"Man，sir。
　　"Bettersendhimup，"Laverickordered。
　　"He'saseedy-lookinglot，sir，"theporterexplained"ItoldhimthatIscarcelythoughtyou'dseehim。"
　　"Nevermind，"Laverickanswered。"Icansoongetridofthefellowifhe'scadging。"
　　Hewentbacktohisroomandfinishedfasteninghistie。Hisownaffairshadsunkalittleintothebackgroundlately，buttheannouncementofthisunusualvisitorbroughtthembackintohismindwitharush。Notwithstandinghisironnerves，hisfingersshookashedrewonhisdinner-jacketandwalkedouttothepassagewaytoanswerthebellwhichrangafewsecondslater。A
　　manstoodoutside，dressedinshabbyblackclothes，whosefacesomehowwasfamiliartohim，althoughhecouldnot，forthemoment，placeit。
　　"Doyouwanttoseeme？"Laverickasked。
　　"Ifyouplease，Mr。Laverick，"themanreplied，"ifyoucouldsparemejustamoment。"
　　"Youhadbettercomeinside，then，"Lavericksaid，closingthedoorandprecedingthewayintothesitting-room。Atanyrate，therewasnothingthreateningabouttheappearanceofthisvisitor-noranythingofficial。
　　"Ihavetakenthelibertyofcoming，sir，"themanannounced，"toaskyouifyoucantellmewhereIcanfindMr。ArthurMorrison。"
　　Laverick'sfaceshowednosignofhisrelief。Whathefelthesucceededinkeepingtohimself。
　　"YoumeanMorrison-mypartner，Isuppose？"heanswered。
　　"Ifyouplease，sir，"themanadmitted。"Iwantedawordortwowithhimmostparticular。Ifoundouthisaddressfromthecaretakerofyouroffice，buthedon'tseemtohavebeenhometohisroomsatalllastnight，andtheyknownothingabouthimthere。"
　　"Yourfaceseemsfamiliartome，"Laverickremarked。"Wheredoyoucomefrom？"
　　Themanhesitated。
　　"Iamthewaiter，sir，atthe'BlackPost，'-littlebarandrestaurant，youknow，"headded，"justbehindyouroffices，sir，attheendofCrookedFriars'Alley。You'vebeeninonceortwice，Mr。Laverick，Ithink。Mr。Morrison'saregularcustomer。
　　Hecomesinforadrinkmostmornings。"
　　Lavericknodded。
　　"IknewI'dseenyourfacesomewhere，"hesaid。"WhatdoyouwantwithMr。Morrison？"
　　Themanwassilent。Hetwirledhishatandlookedembarrassed。
　　"It'samatterIshouldn'tliketomentiontoanyoneexceptMr。
　　Morrisonhimself，sir，"hedeclaredfinally。"Ifyoucouldputmeinthewayofseeinghim，I'dbeglad。Imaysaythatitwouldbetohisadvantage，too。"
　　Laverickwasthoughtfulforamoment。
　　"Asithappens，that'salittledifficult，"heexplained。"Mr。
　　MorrisonandIdisagreedonamatterofbusinesslastnight。I
　　undertookcertainresponsibilitieswhichheshouldhaveshared，andhearrangedtoleavethefirmandthecountryatonce。Weparted-well，notexactlythebestoffriends。IamafraidI
　　cannotgiveyouanyinformation。"
　　"Youhaven'tseenhimsincethen，sir？"themanasked。
　　Laverickliedpromptlybutheliedbadly。Hisvisitorwasnotintheleastconvinced。
　　"IamafraidIhaven'tmademyselfquiteplain，sir，"hesaid。
　　"It'stodohimabito'goodthatI'mhere。I'mnotwishinghimanyharmatall。Onthecontrary，it'sagreatdealmoretohisadvantagetoseemethanitwillbeminetofindhim。"
　　"Ithink，"Lavericksuggested，"thatyouhadbetterbefrankwithme。SupposingIknewwheretocatchMorrisonbeforeheleftthecountry，Icouldeasilydealwithyouonhisbehalf。"
　　Themanlookeddoubtful。
　　"Yousee，sir，"herepliedawkwardly，"it'samatterIwouldn'tliketobreatheawordabouttoanyonebutMr。Morrisonhimself。
　　It's-it'sabitserious。"
　　Theman'sfacegaveweighttohiswords。Curiouslyenough，thegleamofterrorwhichLaverickcaughtinhiswhitefaceremindedhimofasimilarlookwhichhehadseeninMorrison'seyesbarelyanhourago。Togaintime，Laverickmovedacrosstheroom，tookacigarettefromaboxandlitit。Aconvictionwasformingitselfinhismind。Therewassomethingdefinitebehindthesehystericalparoxysmsofhislatepartner，somethingofwhichthismanhadaninkling。
　　"Lookhere，"hesaid，throwinghimselfintoaneasychair，"Ithinkyouhadbetterbefrankwithme。ImustknowmorethanIknowatpresentbeforeIhelpyoutofindMorrison，evenifheistobefound。Wedidn'tpartverygoodfriends，butI'mhisfriendenough-forthesakeofothers，"headded，afteramoment'shesitation，"todoallthatIcouldtohelphimoutofanydifficultyhemayhavestumbledinto。Soyouseethatsofarasanythingyoumayhavetosaytohimisconcerned，Ithinkyoumightaswellsayittome。"
　　"Youcouldn'tseeyourway，then，sir，"themancontinueddoggedly，"totellmewhereIcouldfindMr。Morrisonhimself？"
　　"No，Icouldn't，"Laverickdecided。"EvenifIknewexactlywherehewas-andI'mnotadmittingthat-Icouldn'tputyouintouchwithhimunlessIknewwhatyourbusinesswas。
　　Theman'seyesgleamed。Hewasatypicalwaiter-pasty-faced，unwholesome-looking-buthehadsmalleyesofagreenishcast，andtheywereexpressive。
　　"Ithink，sir，"hesaid，"you'vesomeideayourself，then，thatMr。
　　Morrisonhasbeengettingintoabitoftrouble。"
　　"Wewon'tdiscussthat，"Laverickanswered。"Youmusteithergoaway-it'spastnineo'clockandIhaven'thadmydinneryet-oryoumusttreatmeasyouwouldMr。Morrison。"
　　Themanlookeduponthecarpetforseveralmoments。
　　"Verywell，sir，"hesaid，"there'snogreatreasonwhyIshouldputmyselfoutaboutthisatall。Theonlythingis-"
　　Hehesitated。
　　"Well，goon，"Lavericksaidencouragingly。
　　"Ithink，"themancontinued，"thatMr。Morrison-knowing，asI
　　welldo，sir，thesortofgentheis-wouldbemorelikelytotalkcommonsensewithmeaboutthismatterthanyou，sir。"
　　"I'llimagineI'mMorrison，forthemoment，"Lavericksaidsmiling，"especiallyasI'mactingforhim。"
　　Themanlookedaroundtheroom。Thedoorbehindhadbeenleftajar。
　　Hesteppedbackwardandclosedit。
　　"You'llpardontheliberty，sir，"hesaid，"butthisisaseriousmatterI'mgoingtospeakabout。I'lljusttellyoualittlethingandyoucanformyourownconclusions。Lastnightwewasopenlateatthe'BlackPost。'Wekeepopen，sir，asyouknow，whenyougentlemenattheStockExchangearebusy。Aboutnineo'clocktherewasastrangecustomercamein。Hehadtwodrinksandhesatasthoughhewerewaiting。Inabout'arf-an-houranothergentcamein，andtheywentintoacornertogetherandseemedtobedoingsomesortofbusiness。Anyways，therewaspaperspassedbetweenthem。Iwasfairlybusyaboutthen，astherewereoneortwomorecustomersintheplace，butInoticedthesetwotalkingtogether，andInoticedthedarkgentlemanleave。Theotherswentoutafewminutesafterwards，andthegentwhohadcomefirstwasaloneintheplace。
　　Hesatinthecornerandhehadapocket-bookonthetablebeforehim。IhadasortofcasualglanceatitwhenIbroughthimadrink，anditseemedtomethatitwasfullofbank-notes。Hesattherejustlikeamanextradeepinthought。Justaftereleven，incameMr。Morrison。Icouldseehewasrareandputout，forhewaswhite，andshakingallover。'Givemeadrink，Jim，'hesaid，-'abigbrandyandsoda，bigasyoumake'em。"'
　　Themanpausedforamomentasthoughtocollecthimself。Laverickwassuddenlyconsciousofastrangethrillcreepingthroughhispulses。
　　"Goon，"hesaid。"Thatwasafterheleftme。Goon。"
　　"Hewasquiteclosetotheothergent，Mr。Morrisonwas，"thewaitercontinued，"buttheydidn'tsaynowttoeachother。AllofasuddenIseeMr。Morrisonsetdownhisglassandstareattheotherchapasthoughhe'dseensomethingthathadgivenhimaturn。Ileanedoverthecounterandhadalook，too。Therehesat-thistall，fairchapwhohadbeenintheplacesolong-withhisbigpocket-bookonthetableinfrontofhim，andevenfromwhereIwasIcouldseethattherewasagreatpileofbank-notesstickingoutfromit。AllofasuddenhelooksupandseesMr。Morrisona-watchinghimandmefrombehindthecounter。Backhewhisksthepocket-bookintohispocket，callsmeformybill，givesmetwomouldypenniesforatip，buttonsuphiscoatandwalksout。"
　　"Youknowwhohewas？"Laverickinquired。
　　Againthewaiterpausedforamomentbeforeheanswered-pausedandlookednervouslyaroundtheroom。Hisvoiceshook。
　　"Hewasthemanaswasmurderedaboutahundredyardsoffthe'BlackPost'lastnight，sir，"hesaid。
　　"Howdoyouknow？"Laverickasked。
　　"Igotanhouroffto-day，"thewaitercontinued，"andwentdowntotheMortuary。Therewasnodoubtaboutit。Therehewas-samechap，sameclothes。Icouldsweartohimanywhere，andIreckonI'11havetoattheinquest。"
　　Laverick'scigaretteburnedawaybetweenhisfingers。Itseemedtohimthathewasnolongerintheroom。HewaslisteningtoBigBenstrikingthehour，hewasbackagaininthattinylittlebedroomwithitsspotlesssheetsandlacecurtains。Themanonthebedwaslookingathim。Laverickrememberedthelookandshivered。
　　"WhathasthistodowithMorrison？"hedemanded。
　　Oncemorethewaiterlookedaroundinthathalfmysterious，halfterrifiedway。
　　"Mr。Morrison，sir，"hesaid，droppinghisvoicetoahoarsewhisper，"hefollowedtheotherchapoutwithinthirtyseconds。Asortofqueerlookhe'dgotinhisfacetoo，andhewentoutwithoutpayingme。I'vereadthepapersprettycareful，sir，"themanwenton，"butIain'tseennowordofthatpocket-bookofbank-notesbeingfoundonthemanaswasmurdered。"
　　Laverickthrewtheendofhisburningcigaretteaway。Hewalkedtothewindow，keepinghisbackdeliberatelyturnedonhisvisitor。
　　HiseyesfollowedtheglitteringarcoflightswhichfringedtheThamesEmbankment，werecaughtbytheflaringsky-signontheothersideoftheriver。Hefelthisheartbeatingwithunaccustomedvigor。
　　Wasthis，then，thesecretofMorrison'sterror？Hewonderednolongerathiscollapse。Theterrorwasuponhim，too。Hefelthisforehead，andhishand，whenhedrewitaway，waswet。ItwasnotMorrisonalonebuthehimselfwhomightbeimplicatedinthisman'sknowledge。Thethoughtsflittedthroughhisbrainlikepartsofanightmare。HesawMorrisonarrested，hesawthewholestoryofthemissingpocket-bookinthepapers，heimaginedhisbankmanagerreadingitandthinkingofthatparcelofmysteriousbank-notesdepositedinhiskeepingonthemorningafterthetragedy……
　　Laverickwasastrongman，andhismomentofweakness，poignantthoughithadbeen，passed。Thiswasnonewthingwithwhichhewasconfronted。Allthetimehehadknownthattheprobabilitieswereinfavorofsuchadiscovery。Hesethisteethandturnedtofacehisvisitor。
　　"Thisisaveryseriousthingwhichyouhavetoldme，"hesaid。
　　"Haveyouspokenaboutittoanyoneelse？"
　　"Notasoul，sir，"themananswered。"IthoughtitbesttohaveawordortwofirstwithMr。Morrison。"
　　"Youwerethinkingofattendingtheinquest，"Lavericksaidthoughtfully。"Thepolicewouldthankyouforyourevidence，andthere，Isuppose，thematterwouldend。"
　　"You'vehititprecisely，sir，"themanadmitted。"Therethematterwouldend。"
　　"Ontheotherhand，"Laverickcontinued，speakingasthoughhewerereasoningthismatterouttohimself，"supposingyoudecidednottomeddleinanaffairwhichdoesnotconcernyou，supposingyouwerenotsureastotheidentityofyourcustomerlastnight，andbeingalittletiredyoucouldnotrightlyrememberwhetherMr。Morrisoncalledinforadrinkornot，andso，tocutthemattershort，youdismissedthewholematterfromyourmindandlettheinquesttakeitsowncourse，-Laverickpaused。Hisvisitorscratchedthesideofhischinandnodded。
　　"You'veputthismatterplainly，sir，"hesaid，"inwhatIcallanunderstandable，straightforwardway。I'mapoorman-I'vebeenapoormanallmylife-andI'veneverseedachancebeforeofgettingawayfromit。Iseeonenow。"
　　"Youwanttodothebestyoucanforyourself？"
　　"So'elpmeGod，sir，Ido！"themanagreed。
　　Lavericknodded。
　　"Youhavedonearemarkablywisething，"hesaid，"incomingtomeandintellingmeaboutthisaffair。TheideaofconnectingMr。
　　Morrisonwiththemurderwould，ofcourse，beridiculous，but，ontheotherhand，itwouldbeverydisagreeabletohimtohavehisnamementionedinconnectionwithit。Youhavebehaveddiscreetly，andyouhavedoneMr。Morrisonaserviceintryingtofindhimout。
　　YouwilldohimafurtherservicebyadoptingthesecondcourseI
　　suggestedwithregardtotheinquest。Whatdoyouconsiderthatserviceisworth？"
　　"Itdepends，sir，"themanansweredquietly，"atwhatpriceMr。
　　Morrisonvalueshislife！"
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　THEPRICEOFSILENCE
　　Theman'smannerwasexpressive。Laverickrepeatedhisphrase，frowning。
　　"Hislife！"
　　"Yes，sir！"
　　Laverickshruggedhisshoulders。
　　"Come，"hedeclared，"youmustnotgotoofarwiththisthing。I
　　haveadmitted，soastoclearthewayforanythingyouhavetosay，thatMr。Morrisonwouldnotcaretohavehisnamementionedinconnectionwiththisaffair。Butbecauseheleftyourbarafewminutesafterthemurderedman，itissheerfollytoassumethatthereforeheisnecessarilyimplicatedinhisdeath。Icannotconceiveanythingmoreunlikely。"
　　Themansmiled-aslow，uncomfortablesmilewhichsuggestedmirthlessthananythingintheworld。
　　"Thereareafewotherthings，sir，"heremarked，-"oneinespecial。"
　　"Well？"Laverickinquired。"Let'shaveit。Youhadbettertellmeeverythingthatisinyourmind。"
　　"Themanwasstabbedwithahorn-handledknife。"
　　"Irememberreadingthat，"Laverickadmitted。
　　"Well？"
　　"Theknifewasmine，"hisvisitoraffirmed，droppinghisvoiceoncemoretoawhisper。"Itlayontheedgeofthecounter，closetowhereMr。Morrisonwasleaning，andassoonashe'dgoneImissedit。"
　　Laverickwassilent。Whatwastheretobesaid？
　　"Horn-handledknives，"hemuttered，"arenotrarenotuncommonthings。"
　　"Onedon'tpossessaknifeforamatterofeightornineyearswithoutbeingabletosweartoit，"theotherremarkeddryly。
　　"Isthereanythingmore？"
　　"Theredon'tneedtobe，"wasthequietreply。"Youknowthat，sir。
　　SodoI。Theredon'tneedtobeanymoreevidencethanminetosendMr。Morrisontothegallows。"
　　"Wewillwaivethatpoint，"Laverickdeclared。"Thejurysometimesareveryhardtoconvincebycircumstantialevidencealone。However，asIhavesaid，letuswaivethatpoint。Yourpositionisclearenough。Yougototheinquest，youtellallyouknow，andyougetnothing。Youareapoorman，youhaveworkedhardallyourlife。
　　Thechancehascomeinyourwaytodoyourselfalittlegood。Nowtakemyadvice。Don'tspoilitallbyaskingforanythingridiculous。
　　Itwon'tdoforyoutocomeintoafortuneafewdaysafterthisaffair，especiallyifitevercomesoutthatthemurderedmanwasinyourplace。IamheretoactforMr。Morrison。Whatisitthatyouwant？"
　　"Youaretalkinglikeagent，sir，"themansaid，-"likeasensiblegent，too。I'dhavetokeepitquiet，ofcourse，thatI'dcomeintoabitofmoney，-justatpresent，atanyrate。Icouldeasyfindanexcuseforchangingmyjob-perhapsgetawayfromLondonaltogether。I'vegotafewpoundssavedandI'vealwayswantedtoopenabankingaccount。Agentlikeyou，perhaps，couldputmeinthewayofdoingit。"
　　"Howmuchdoyouconsiderwouldbeasatisfactorybalancetocommencewith？"Laverickasked。
　　"Iwasthinkingofathousandpounds，sir。"
　　Laverickwasthoughtfulforafewmoments。
　　"Bytheway，whatisyourname？"heinquiredatlast。
　　"JamesShepherd，sir，"themananswered，-"generallycalledJim，sir。"
　　"Well，yousee，Shepherd，"Laverickcontinued，"thedifficultyis，inyourcase，asinallsimilarones，thatoneneverknowswherethethingwillend。Athousandpoundsisaconsiderablesum，butinfouramounts，withthreemonthsintervalbetweeneach，itcouldbearranged。Thiswouldbebetterforyou，inanycase。Twohundredandfiftypoundsisnotanunheard-ofsumforyoutohavesavedorgottogether。Afterthatyourinvestmentswouldbemylookout，andtheywouldproduce，asIhavesaid，anothersevenhundredandfiftypounds。ButwhatsecurityhaveI-hasMr。
　　Morrison，letussay-thatyouwillbecontentwiththissum？"
　　"Hehasn'tany，sir，"themanadmittedatonce。"Hecouldn'thaveany。I'mamodest-livingman，andI'venodesiretogoshoutingaroundthatI'mindependentallofasudden。Thatwouldn'tdonohow。AthousandpoundswouldbringmeinnearenoughapoundaweekifIinvestedit，ortwopoundsaweekforanannuity，myhealthbeingnonetoogood。I'venowifeorchildren，sir。Iwasthinkingofanannuity。WithtwopoundsaweekI'dhavenocausetotroubleanyoneagain。"
　　Laverickconsidered。
　　"Itshallbedone，"hesaid。"To-morrowIshallbuysharesforyoutotheextentoftwohundredandfiftypounds。Theywillbedepositedinabank。Somedayyoucanlookinandseeme，andI
　　willtakeyouroundthere。Youaremyclientwhohasspeculatedundermyinstructionssuccessfully，andyouwillsignyournameandbecomeacustomer。Afterthat，youwillspeculateagain。
　　Whenyourthousandpoundshasbeenmade，Iwillshowyouhowtobuyanannuity。Keepyourmouthshut，andlastnightwillbetheluckiestnightofyourlife。Doyoudrink？"
　　"Adroportwo，sir，"themanadmitted。"IfIdidn't，IguessI'dgooffmychump。"
　　"Doyoutalkwhenyou'redrunk？"Laverickasked。
　　"Never，sir，"themandeclared。"I'veawayofgettingadroptoomuchwhenI'mbymyself。ThenItumblesofftosleepandthat'stheendofit。I'venofancyforcompanyatsuchtimes。"
　　"It'sagoodthing，"Laverickremarked，thrustinghishandintohispocket。"Here'safive-poundnoteonaccount。Idaresayyoucanmanagetokeepsoberto-night，atanyrate。That'sall，isn'tit？"
　　"That'sall，sir，"themananswered，"unlessImightmakesoboldastoaskwhetherMr。Morrisonhasreallyhookedit？"
　　"Mr。Morrisonhaddecidedtohookit，asyougraphicallysay，beforehecameinforthatdrinktoyourbar，Shepherd，"Laverickaffirmed。
　　"Businesshadbeennonetoogoodwithus，andwehadhadadisagreement。"
　　Themannodded。
　　"Isee，sir，"hesaid，takinguphishat。"Goodnight，sir！"
　　"Goodnight！"Laverickanswered。"Youcanfindyourwaydown？"
　　"Quitewell，sir，andthankyou，"declaredMr。Shepherd，closingthedoorsoftlybehindhim。
　　Lavericksatdowninhischair。Hehadforgottenthathewashungry。
　　Hewasfacednowwithanewtragedy。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　THELONELYCHORUSGIRL
　　Theystoodtogetherupontheplatformwatchingtherecedingtrain。
　　Thegirl'seyeswerefilledwithtears，butLaverickwasconsciousofasenseofimmenserelief。Morrisonhadbeenatthestationsometimebeforethetrainwasduetoleave，and，althoughaphysicalwreck，heseemedonlytooanxioustodepart。Hehadalltheappearanceofabroken-spiritedman。Helookedabouthimontheplatform，andevenfromthecarriage，inthefurtivewayofacriminalexpectingapprehensionatanymoment。ThewhistleofthetrainhadbeenareliefasgreattohimastoLaverick。
　　We'11writeyoutoNewYork，careofBarclays，"Laverickcalledout。
　　"Goodluck，Morrison！Pullyourselftog-etherandmakeafreshstart。
　　"Morrison'sonlyreplywasasomewhatfeeblenod。Laverickhadnotattemptedtoshakehands。Hefelthimselfatthelastmoment，stirredalmosttoangerbytheperfunctoryfarewellwhichwasallthismanhadofferedtothegirlhehadtreatedsoinconsiderately。
　　Histhoughtswereengrosseduponhimselfandhisowndanger。Hewouldnotevenhavekissedherifshehadnotdrawnhisfacedowntohersandwhisperedareassuringlittlemessage。Laverickturnedaway。Forsomereasonorotherhefelthimselfshuddering。
　　Conversationduringthoselastfewmomentshadbeenincreasinglydifficult。Thetrainwasoffatlast，however，andtheywerealone。
　　Thegirldrewalongbreath，whichmightverywellhavebeenoneofrelief。Theyturnedsilentlytowardtheexit。
　　"Areyougoingbackhome？"Laverickasked。
　　"Yes，"sheansweredlistlessly。"Thereisnothingelsetodo。"
　　"Isn'titrathersadforyoutherebyyourself？"
　　Shenodded。
　　"Itisthefirsttime，"shesaid。"Anothergirlandhermotherhavelivedwithmealways。Theystartedofflastweek，touring。
　　TheyarepayingalittletowardthehouseorIshouldhavetogointorooms。Asitis，Ithinkthatitwouldbemorecomfortable。"
　　Lavericklookedatherwonderingly。
　　"Youseemsuchachild，"hesaid，"tobeleftallaloneintheworldlikethis。"
　　"ButIamnotachildactually，yousee，"sheanswered，withaneffortatlightness。"Somehow，though，IdomissArthur'sgoing。
　　Hisfatherwasalwaysverygoodtome，andmadehimpromisethathewoulddowhathecould。Ididn'tseemuchofhim，butonefeltalwaysthattherewassomebody。It'sdifferentnow。Itmakesonefeelverylonely。"
　　"I，too，"Lavericksaid，withcommendablemendacity，"amratheralonelyperson。Youmustletmeseesomethingofyounowandthen。"
　　Shelookedupathimquickly。Hergazewasaltogetherdisingenuous，buthereyes-thosewonderfuleyes-spokevolumes。
　　"Ifyoureallymeanit，"shesaid，"Ishouldbesoglad。"
　　"Supposingwestartto-day，"hesuggested，smiling。"Icannotaskyoutolunch，asIhaveabusydaybeforeme，butwemighthavedinnertogetherquiteearly。ThenIwouldtakeyoutothetheatreandmeetyouafterwards，ifyouliked。"
　　"IfIliked！"shewhispered。"Oh，howgoodyouare。"
　　"Iamnotatallsureaboutthat。NowI'llputyouinthistaxiandsendyouhome。"
　　Shelaughed。
　　"Youmustn'tdoanythingsoextravagant。Icangeta'busjustoutside。Ineverhavetaxicabs。"
　　"Justthismorning，"heinsisted，"andIthinkhewon'ttroubleyouforhisfare。Youmustletme，please。Rememberthatthere'salargeaccountopenstillbetweenyourhalf-brotherandme，soyouneedn'tmindthesetrifles。Tillthisevening，then。ShallI
　　fetchyouorwillyoucometome？"
　　"Letmefetchyou，ifImay，"shesaid。"Itisn'tniceforyoutocomedowntowhereIlive。It'ssuchahorridpart。"
　　"Justasyoulike，"heanswered。"I'dbeverygladtofetchyouifyoupreferit，butitwouldgivememoretimeifyoucame。Shallwesayseveno'clock？I'vewrittentheaddressdownonthiscardsothatyoucanmakenomistake。"
　　Shelaughedgayly。
　　"Youknow，allthetime，"shesaid，"IfeelthatyouaretreatingmeasthoughIwereababy。I'llbetherepunctually，andIdon'tthinkIneedtiethecardaroundmyneck。"
　　Thecabglidedoff。Laverickcaughtaglimpseofawanlittlefacewithafaintsmilequiveringatthecornerofherlipsassheleanedoutforamomenttosaygood-bye。Thenhewentbacktohisrooms，breakfasted，andmadehiswaytohisoffice。
　　ThemorningpapershadnothingnewtoreportconcerningthemurderinCrookedFriars'Alley。Evidentlywhatinformationthepolicehadobtainedtheywerekeepingfortheinquest。Laverick，fromthemomentwhenheenteredtheoffice，hadlittleornotimetothinkofthetragedyunderwhoseshadowhehadcome。Thelong-predictedboomhadarrivedatlast。Withoutlunch，heandallhisclerksworkeduntilaftersixo'clock。EventhenLaverickfoundithardtoleave。Duringtheday，adozenpeopleorsohadbeenintoaskforMorrison。Toallofthemhehadgiventhesamereply，-Morrisonhadgoneabroadonprivatebusinessforthefirm。VeryfewweredeceivedbyLaverick'sdrystatement。Hewasquiteawarethathewaslookeduponeitherasoneoftheluckiestmenonearth，orasafinancierofconsummateskill。ThefailureofLaverick&Morrisonhadbeenlookeduponasacertainty。Howtheyhadtidedoverthattwenty-fourhourshadbeenknowntonoone-tonoonebutLaverickhimselfandthemanagerofhisbank。
　　Justbeforefouro'clock，thetelephonerangathiselbow。
　　"Mr。Fenwickfromthebank，sir，iswishingtospeaktoyouforamoment，"hishead-clerkannounced。
　　Lavericktookupthetelephone。
　　"Yes，"hesaid，"IamLaverick。Goodafternoon，Mr。Fenwick！
　　Absolutelyimpossibletospareanytimeto-day。Whatisit？Theaccountisallright，isn'tit？"
　　"Quiteright，Mr。Laverick，"wastheanswer。"Atthesametime，ifyoucouldsparemeamomentIshouldbegladtoseeyouconcerningthedeposityoumadeyesterday。"
　　"Iwillcomeinto-morrow，"Laverickpromised。"Thisafternoonitisquiteoutofthequestion。Ihaveacrowdofpeoplewaitingtoseeme，andseveralimportantengagementsforwhichIamlatealready。"
　　Thebankerseemedscarcelysatisfied。
　　"Imayrelyuponseeingyouto-morrow？"hepressed。
　　"To-morrow，"Laverickrepeated，ringingoff。
　　Foratimethislastmessagetroubledhim。Assoonastheday'sworkwasover，however，andhesteppedintohiscab，hedismisseditentirelyfromhisthoughts。Itwascurioushow，notwithstandingthisnewseriousnesswhichhadcomeintohislife，notwithstandingthatsensationofwalkingallthetimeonthebrinkofaprecipice，hesethisfacehomewardandlookedforwardtohisevening，withapleasurewhichhehadnotfeltformanymonths。Thewhirlofthedayfadedeasilyfromhismind。Helivednomoreinanatmosphereofwildexcitement，ofchangingprices，offeverishanxiety。Howemptyhislifemusthaveunconsciouslygrownthathecouldfindsomuchpleasureinbeingkindtoaprettychild！Itwashardtothinkofherotherwise-impossible。Astrangeheritage，this，tohavebeenlefthimbysuchapersonasArthurMorrison。Howintheworld，hewondered，didhehappentohavesuchaconnection。
　　Shewasalittleshywhenshearrived。Laverickhadleftspecialordersdownstairs，andshewasbroughtupintohissitting-roomimmediately。Shewasveryquietlydressedexceptforherhat，whichwaslargeandwavy。Hefounditbecoming，butheknewenoughtounderstandthatherclotheswereverysimpleandveryinexpensive，andhewasconsciousofbeingcuriouslygladofthefact。
　　"Iamafraid，"shesaidtimidly，withaglanceathiseveningattire，"thatwemustgosomewhereveryquiet。Yousee，IhaveonlyoneeveninggownandIcouldn'twearthat。Therewouldn'tbetimetochangeafterwards。Besides，one'sclothesdogetsoknockedaboutinthedressing-rooms。"
　　"Thereareheapsofplaceswecangoto，"heassuredherpleasantly。
　　"Ofcourseyoucan't，dressfortheeveningwhenyouhavetogoontowork，butyoumustrememberthatthereareagoodmanyothersmartyoungladiesinthesameposition。IhadtochangebecauseI
　　havetakenastalltoseeyourperformance。Tellme，howareyoufeelingnow？"
　　"Ratherlonely，"sheadmitted，makingapatheticlittlegrimace。
　　"ThatistosayIhavebeenfeelinglonely，"sheaddedsoftly。"I
　　don'tnow，ofcourse。
　　"Youareaqueerlittleperson，"hesaidkindly，astheywentdowninthelift。"Haven'tyouanyfriends？"
　　Sheshruggedhershoulders。
　　"WhatsortoffriendscouldIhave？"sheasked。"Thegirlsinthechoruswithmeareverynice，someofthem，buttheyknowsomanypeoplewhomIdon't，andtheyarealwaysouttosupper，orsomethingofthesort。"
　　"Andyou？"
　　Sheshookherhead。
　　"Iwenttoonesupper-partywiththegirlwhoisnearme，"shesaid。
　　"Ilikeditverymuch，buttheydidn'taskmeagain。"
　　"Iwonderwhy？"heremarked。
　　"Oh，Idon'tknow！"shewentondrearily。"Yousee，Ithinkthemenwhotakeoutgirlswhoareinthechorus，generallyexpecttobeallowedtomakelovetothem。Atanyrate，theybehavedlikethat。SuchahorridmantriedtosaynicethingstomeandIdidn'tlikeitabit。Sotheyleftmealoneafterwards。ThegirlIlivedwithandhermotherarequitenice，andtheyhaveafewfriendswegotoseesometimesonSundayorholidays。It'sdull，though，verydull，especiallynowthey'reaway。"
　　"Whatonearthmadeyouthinkofgoingonthestageatall？"heasked。
　　"Whatcouldonedo？"sheanswered。"Mymother'smoneydiedwithher-shehadonlyanannuity-andmystepfather，whohadpromisedtolookafterme，lostallhismoneyanddiedquitesuddenly。Arthurwasinastockbroker'sofficeandhecouldn'tsaveanything。Myonlyfriendwasmyoldmusic-master，andhehadgivenupteachingandwasdirectoroftheorchestraattheUniversal。Allhecoulddoformewastogetmeaplaceinthechorus。Ihavebeenthereeversince。
　　TheykeeponpromisingmealittlepartbutInevergetit。It'salwayslikethatintheatres。Youhavetobeafavoriteofthemanager's，forsomereasonorother，oryounevergetyourchanceunlessyouareunusuallylucky。"
　　"Idon'tknowmuchabouttheatres，"headmitted。"IamafraidIamratherastupidperson。WhenIcangetawayfromworkIgointothecountryandplaycricketorgolf，oranythingthat'sgoing。
　　WhenIamupintown，Iamgenerallycontentwithlookingupafewfriends，orplayingbridgeattheclub。Ineverhavebeenatheatre-goer。
　　"Iwonder，"sheasked，astheyseatedthemselvesatasmallroundtableintherestaurantwhichhehadchosen，-"Iwonderwhyeverynowandthenyoulooksoserious。"
　　"Ididn'tknowthatIdid，"heanswered。"We'vehadthunderinghardtimeslatelyinbusiness，though。Isupposethatmakesamanlookthoughtful。"
　　"PoorMr。Laverick，"shemurmuredsoftly。"Arethingsanybetternow？"
　　"Muchbetter。"
　　"Thenyouhavenothingreallytobotheryou？"shepersisted。
　　"Isupposeweallhavesomething，"hereplied，suddenlygrave。
　　"Whydoyouaskthat？"
　　Sheleanedacrossthetable。Intheshadedlight，herovalfacewithitslittlehaloofdeepbrownhairseemedtohimasthoughitmighthavebelongedtosomeoldminiature。Shewasdelightful，likeWatteau-workuponapieceofpricelessporcelain-delightfulwhenthelightsplayedinhereyesandthesmilequiveredatthecornerofherlips。Justnow，however，shebecameverymuchinearnest。
　　"IwilltellyouwhyIaskthatquestion，"shesaid。"IcannothelpworryingstillaboutArthur。Youknowyouadmittedlastnightthathehaddonesomething。Yousawhowterriblyfrightenedhewasthismorning，andhowhekeptonlookingaroundasthoughhewereafraidthathewouldseesomebodywhomhewishedtoavoid。
　　Oh！Idon'twanttoworryyou，"shewenton，"butIfeelsoterrifiedsometimes。Ifeelthathemusthavedonesomething-bad。
　　Itwasnotanordinarybusinesstroublewhichtookthelifeoutofhimsocompletely。"
　　"Itwasnot，"Laverickadmittedatonce。"Hehasdonesomething，I
　　believe，quitefoolish；butthematterisinmyhandstoarrange，andIthinkyoucanassureyourselfthatnothingwillcomeofit。"
　　"Didyoutellhimsothismorning？"sheaskedeagerly。
　　"Ididnot，"heanswered。"Itoldhimnothing。Formanyreasonsitwasbettertokeephimignorant。HeandImightnothaveseenthingsthesameway，andIamsurethatwhatIamdoingisforthebest。IfIwereyou，MissLeneveu，IthinkIwouldn'tworryanymore。SoonyouwillhearfromyourbrotherthatheissafeinNewYork，andIthinkIcanpromiseyouthatthetroublewillnevercometoanythingserious。"
　　"Whyhaveyoubeensokindtohim？"sheaskedtimidly。"Fromwhathesaid，Idonotthinkthathewasveryusefultoyou，and，indeed，youandhearesodifferent。"
　　Laverickwassilentforamoment。
　　"Tobehonest，"hesaid，"IthinkthatIshouldnothavetakensomuchtroubleforhissakealone。Yousee，"hecontinued，smiling，"youareratheradelightfulyoungperson，andyouwereveryanxious，weren'tyou？"
　　Herhandcameacrossthetable-animpulsivelittlegesture，whichheneverthelessfoundperfectlynaturalanddelightful。Hetookitintohis，andwouldhaveraisedthefingerstohislipsbutforthewaiterswhowerehoveringaround。
　　"Youaresokind，"shesaid，"andIamsofortunate。IthinkthatIwantedafriend。"
　　"Youpoorchild，"heanswered，"Ishouldthinkyoudid。Youarenotdrinkingyourwine。"
　　Sheshookherhead。
　　"Doyoumind？"sheasked。"AverylittlegetsintomyheadbecauseItakeitsoseldom，andthemanageriscrossifonemakestheleastbitofamistake。Besides，IdonotthinkthatIliketodrinkwine。Ifonedoesnottakeitatall，thereisanexcuseforneverhavinganythingwhenthegirlsaskyou。"
　　Henoddedsympathetically。
　　"Ibelieveyouarequiteright，"hesaid；"inageneralway，atanyrate。Well，Iwilldrinkbymyselftoyourbrother'ssafearrivalinNewYork。Areyouready？"
　　Sheglancedattheclock。
　　"Imustbethereinaquarterofanhour，"shetoldhim。
　　"Iwilldriveyoutothetheatre，"hesaid，"andthengoroundandfetchmyticket。"
　　Ashewaitedforherinthereceptionhalloftherestaurant，hetookaneveningpaperfromthestall。Abriefparagraphatonceattractedhisattention。
　　MurderintheCity-Weunderstandthatveryimportantinformationhascomeintothehandsofthepolice。AnARRESTisexpectedto-nightorto-morrowatthelatest。
　　Hecrushedthepaperinhishandandthrewitononeside。Itwastheusualsortofthing。Therewasnothingtheycouldhavefoundout-nothing，hetoldhimself。