"And I might have been as happy myself!" he murmured. "I suppose it was not to be. I know I'm a fool, but I can't forget—I can't forget!"
After a few moments he arose and made preparations to descend.
At the head of the stairs he came face to face with Lizette, who was coming up. He gave her a glance, then stopped as if turned to stone. Like a flash he seized her arm.
"Bessie!" he exclaimed; "Bessie, you here?"
Lizette fell back against the wall, her face gone white and her lips parted. Her free hand fluttered up to her heart, and for a few moments she was speechless. Finally she forced a little laugh.
"Oh, how you frighten me, monsieur!" she exclaimed. "You catch me so queek by ze arm, and your feengaires hurt!"
Carson released his hold, but blocked her path.
"Bessie?" he repeated, but this time there was a note of inquiry in his voice.
The girl seemed bewildered, but she shook her head.
"Zat is not my name, monsieur. It is Lizette. I am ze nurse."