Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/256

 "I'll try to teach you," he laughed—"and be content to touch your hand until my desire shall be yours."

They rode swiftly home, John's soul in a warm glow of happiness. Stella spoke scarcely a word, but her cheeks were flushed and about her deep brown eyes a curious smile was constantly playing.

He left her at the door and as he pressed her hand softly said:

"You scarcely spoke the whole way home—tell me what were you thinking about?"

"I don't know—perhaps dreaming of your terrible court—of a man being condemned to death without knowing it!"

"Yet a smile was playing about your beautiful face?"

Stella suddenly burst into half hysterical laughter:

"Of course, how can you doubt that I was happy! I'll tell you all my thoughts to-morrow night."

"Shall we go on horseback?"

"Yes, but I wish to go alone; I'll meet you there at dusk," she replied with another strange laugh, waving her hand as he mounted his horse and galloped away.

She closed the door and with quick nervous step, crossed the hall and passed into the library, confronting Ackerman.