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 constantly and yet dumb for her very presence. At last Lida continued.

"Mr. Bennet—I have long wanted to know you and to thank you for the service done me that day."

Bennet longed to take her tenderly in his arms, he had so often pictured the hope of such a right. He mastered the desire, however, remembering that he had sworn not to let her know he had overheard her vow that moonlight fall night. He waved a hand as if to pass the incident off lightly with: "Oh, it was a pleasure to serve you. I am glad I could help."

"You not only helped, you saved my life.—I can never hope to thank you sufficiently" she said fervently.

"You need not thank me. I would do it over again tonight and willingly." His voice vibrated like the basso of some stringed instrument.

"That's noble of you. And I'll never forget it." Her voice was sincerity itself.

"I don't think I'd say never, Miss Lauriston. Never, you know, is a long while—and sometimes, under stress we say things we soon forget—or may wish to forget."

"But I know myself. Besides your bravery was noble indeed and I'd be mean to forget it. I couldn't, Mr. Bennet—I couldn't. I only regret I have no way of showing you how much your noble action means to me."

"There is a way, Miss Lauriston—a real way—a way I'd appreciate to my dying day."

"You've only to make it known. When I think of the way you struggled to save us; of the mad mob that was