Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/323

 evening from Charing Cross to Dover. The train was but sparsely occupied, and in passing along it to find an empty compartment, he caught sight of a lady dressed in deep mourning, whom he instantly recognised, in spite of the fact that she was heavily veiled. After a moment's hesitation (there was little time to make up his mind, for the guard was already waving his green flag) he opened the door and stepped in.

"I hope you will pardon my intrusion. Miss Seidel, but I think, perhaps, you will admit that you owe me a word or two of explanation."

"I owe you much more than that, my lord, but I possess nothing with which to repay you."

"The conversation which you permit will do that. I merely wish to know if my surmises are correct. I may be doing an injustice in my thoughts to a person whom I will not name."

You mean me? Whatever your thoughts are, I well deserve them."

"No; I did not mean you."

"You cannot think too badly of me. I have lied, I have cheated, I have forged, I have stolen. There is little that is wicked left for me to do. My punishment may be inadequate, but it is grievous enough. I am deserted, I am penniless, I am out of employment."

"Oh, these things can be remedied. Now, let's