“Yes, I can hear,” said Alvar, seeing the necessity, and leaning towards him.

“When there is no chance, you will tell me?”

“Yes.”

“But I must tell you about—her—a secret.”

“I will keep it. Some one you love?”

“It is Ruth; we are engaged. Does she know—this?”

Alvar’s surprise was intense; but he answered quietly,—

“I suppose that Virginia will have told her.”

“Let her know; it would be worse later. Write to her—you—when it is hopeless.”

“Yes,” said Alvar.