full and finely arched; the chin firm and smooth. Her greatest claim
to beauty was the eyes, now securely veiled behind long, downcast
lashes. Yet I recalled their depth and expression with a sudden
surging of red, riotous blood through my veins. As I sat there,
uncertain how I might break the embarrassing silence, she suddenly
glanced up questioningly.

"You--you do not at all understand my position, do you?" she asked
timidly. "I mean why I should be homeless, on the street, alone at--at
such an hour?"

"No," I responded, surprised into frankness, "you do not seem like that
kind."

A wave of color flooded her clear cheeks, the brown eyes darkening.

"And I am not that kind," she exclaimed proudly, her head flung back,
revealing the round, white throat. "You must comprehend that fact at
once."




CHAPTER VI

WE OPEN CONFIDENCES

I bent my head, impressed by her earnestness, every instinct of a
gentleman born, returning instantly.