But Ran was looking at his sweetheart, and replied gravely:
“You are very kind! Too kind! And I thank you so much! But, even for Judy’s sake, I ought to go. She is very tired from her long journey. Good-night.”
And he turned to go, Judy following him to the door of the parlor, where, of course, they lingered over their adieus.
Then Stuart got a chance to speak apart with Palma. He looked into her dismayed face and broke into a little, low laugh.
“Oh! what in the name of goodness shall I do?” she exclaimed, clasping her hands and gazing appealingly up into his face.
Then he pitied her evident distress and answered:
“Why, dear, you will have to share your own bed with Miss Judy and give me a rug on the sofa.”
Her face brightened.
“Oh, Cleve!” she exclaimed, “you are an angel of light in a cutaway coat! You have saved my life—or reason!”
Then suddenly growing grave she added: