He came nearer.
"Beggars should be humble," he said. "I am humble enough. I only ask you to say good-by a little more kindly."
Her eyes were full and more beautiful than ever. She put out her hand and touched the sofa at her side.
"Will you sit here?" she said.
"What!" he cried,—"I?"
"Yes," she answered, scarcely above her breath, "no one else." He took the place and her slender hand.
"I have no right to this," he said. "No one knows that so well as I. I am doing a terrible, daring thing."
"It is a daring thing for us both," she said. "I have always been afraid; but it cost me too much when you went out of the door."
"Did it?" he said, and folded her hand close against his breast. "Oh!" he whispered, "I will be very tender to you."