"You mean that?"

"Yes--why not? Surely it is as right for me as for you. You wished me
to say yes, did you not?"

My face must have answered, as my lips failed, but she went on swiftly:

"Then I will go; only remember it is acting, a mere play in which I
have a certain part to perform. We are to be friends throughout it
all--actors on the stage. There must be no misunderstanding about
this."

I had recovered my voice now, realizing all she meant, and anxious to
reassure her.

"Certainly. There will be no mistake, Mrs. Bernard. That was why I
hesitated to ask you, for fear you might misinterpret my purpose. You
are the very woman to do this. I dreaded to have with me the kind Vail
would have sent. I am delighted--truly I am, and nothing shall occur
to cause you any regret."

"We go tonight?--I shall need clothing."

"Of course; that was what this money was advanced for, to outfit us.
How much will you need?"

She thought a moment, a little line of perplexity between her eyes,
finally naming a sum which surprised me.

"Not more than that?" I exclaimed. "Surely that is not enough."