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 woman, should endure this and not leave him. There were no children, and people thought it strange that they went on living together.

It was exactly two o'clock by Kragaef's watch, and already quite light when the automobile slowed up at the entrance to the familiar villa. Kragaef had been there several times during the previous summer. On this occasion, however, he felt a curious perturbation.

"I wonder if there will be any one else, or if I'm the only visitor," thought he. "It would be more pleasant to be alone with her on such a beautiful night."

No other carriage was to be seen at the gates. Everything was quiet in the dark garden, and there were no lights to be seen in the windows.

"Shall I wait?" asked the chauffeur.

"No, it's not necessary," said Kragaef, as he paid and dismissed him.

The side gate was open a little way. Kragaef went in and shut it after him. He glanced at the gate and saw the key in it, and impelled by some undefined presentiment, he turned the key in the lock.

He walked quietly up the gravel-path to the house. There was a cool air from the