"I must go now," he said, "Good-night." He took Stella's hand and bent over it; then, turning to the boy, "Good-night. Yes," he added, and he held the small hands with a tight pressure, "we must see a good deal of each other, you and I."
Then he stole out noiselessly.
As he disappeared, Frank heaved a sigh of relief, and Stella looked at him.
He was still standing as he had stood when Jasper held his hand, looking after him; and there was a strange look on his face which aroused Stella's attention.
"Well?" she said, with a smile.
Frank started, and looked down at her with a smile.
"Is it true," he asked, "that he is a great friend of my father's?"
Stella nodded.
"I suppose so, yes."
"And of yours?" he said, intently.