unconventionality farther than that. In the present instance there was not
even a kitten.

She turned toward the house, whereupon he gave a little pathetic
exclamation- of pleading in a voice that was masterly, being as sincere as
it was musical, and he took a few leaning steps toward her, both hands
outstretched.

"One moment more!" he cried, as she turned again to him. "It may be the
one chance of my life to speak with you; don't deny me this. - All the
rest will meet you when the happy evening comes, will dance with you, talk
with you, see you when they like, listen to you sing. I, alone, must hover
about the gates, or steal like a thief into your garden to hear you from a
distance. Listen to me--just this once--for a moment?"

"I cannot listen," she said firmly; and stood quite still. She was now in
deep shadow.

"I will not believe you merciless! You would not condemn the meanest
criminal unheard I" Remembering that she was so lately from the convent,
he ventured this speech in a deep, thrilling voice, only to receive a
distinct shock for his pains, for she greeted it with an irrepressible,
most unexpected peal of contralto laughter, and his lips parted slightly
with the surprise of it.

They parted much farther in the next instant-- in good truth, it may be
stated of the gentleman that he was left with his mouth open--for,
suddenly leaning toward him out of the shadow into the light, her face
shining as a cast of tragedy, she cried in a hoarse whisper: