"You will say nothing of this to your father, or of my coming here at all. When we are wedded and ready to start for the new home, it will be a grand surprise for him."
"Shall we—oh, Richard, shall we take him with us?" cried Judith.
"That may be as you wish. I will not object."
"Oh, Richard, I would give up that horrible paper now if I had it with me!"
"No, let it rest until I can exchange it for the marriage lines; then it will be as much for your interest as mine that it should be made ashes of. But be sure and have it about you then."
"I will, I will. Only it is like putting a snake in my bosom when I hide it there."
"And that pretty dress. Leave nothing behind you. On the second day from this I will be at the nearest station. Meet me there, but mind that no one sees us speaking to each other."
"I will be careful."
"Good-night, then."
The girl looked at him wistfully, as if she expected something more; but Storms only reached out his hand. He was not quite a Judas, and did not kiss her.