Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/193

 "Why, why—it's you—Miss Butler! I hadn't dreamed of seeing you in this dingy office!"

He stammered and hesitated, and continued to gaze at her in confusion.

"May I sit down?" she asked softly.

"I beg a thousand pardons," he answered, springing across the room for a chair. Hedumped a pile of law books from it—brushed the dust from the bottom and placed it before her.

"Believe me," he went on, "I was so astonished at seeing you, I thought I must have fallen asleep—you see it was too beautiful to be true—I thought it must be a dream."

"Well, there was nothing left but to humble myself and call on you—you refused to call on me."

"I can never tell you how sorry I was to have to write that note," he said gravely.

"I'm glad, for I refuse to take your letter as final. You said there were many and serious reasons why you could not act as my counsel. I've come to hear them."

"I assure you they are serious enough, Miss Butler. I fear it will not be possible for me to state them."

"Then I refuse to accept them," she answered with a smile.

John gazed at her; wondering if she could know