semblance now to the cold creature she had appeared upon entering
the gambling-hall. She spoke rapidly, her whole body tense with
emotion, her voice shaken with passion. "I've seen men and men and
men, and they've loved me, but I never cared for anybody in the
world till I saw you. They ran after me, but you were cold. You
made me come to you. Perhaps that was it. Anyhow, I can't stand
it. I'll give up everything--I'll do anything just to be where you
are. What do you think of a woman who will beg? Oh, I've lost my
pride--I'm a fool--a fool--but I can't help it."

"I'm sorry you feel this way," said Glenister. "It isn't my fault,
and it isn't of any use."

For an instant she stood quivering, while the light died out of
her face; then, with a characteristic change, she smiled till the
dimples laughed in her cheeks. She sank upon a seat beside him and
pulled together the curtains, shutting out the sight below.

"Very well"--then she put his hand to her cheek and cuddled it.
"I'm glad to see you just the same, and you can't keep me from
loving you."

With his other hand he smoothed her hair, while, unknown to him
and beneath her lightness, she shrank and quivered at his touch
like a Barbary steed under the whip.

"Things are very bad with me," he said. "We've had our mine
jumped."

"Bah! You know what to do. You aren't a cripple--you've got five