He looked up at her, with that expression in his eyes which one sees in the eyes of a faithful, devoted dog then bent and kissed the sleeve of her dress.
All the tenderness of Stella's nature welled up at the simple act, and with a little murmur she bent down and put her lips to his forehead.
His face flushed and he shrank back.
"Don't!" he said, in a strained voice. "I am not worthy!"
For answer she stooped again and kissed him.
He did not shrink this time, but took her hand and held it with a convulsive grasp, and something trembled on his lip, when he started and stared toward the window.
Stella turned her head quickly and stared also, for there, standing with his face turned toward them, with his eyes fixed on them, stood Jasper Adelstone. She rose, but he came forward with his finger on his lip.
"He is asleep," he said, glancing at the chair, and he held out his hand.
Stella took it; it was hot and dry.
"I ought to apologize for coming in so late," he said in a cautious voice; "but I was passing, and the music proved too great a temptation. Will you forgive me?"