"Forgive me, Juanita," I said. "I spoke roughly to you, but it was only natural under the circumstances. I believe what you say, and regret that I should have given you additional pain. Where are you staying now?"
She gave me her address and I asked if she would allow me to take her home. She consented, and as it was too far to walk, I called a hansom. Placing her in it, I seated myself beside her, and we rattled off. As we went her spirits began to revive. She recalled our voyage in the schooner, our love-making in Thursday Island, and many other little circumstances connected with our mutual past.
At length, after passing down a long overgrown thoroughfare, the cab pulled up before a house. She got out and opened the front door while I paid the cabman. Then we went up-stairs together to her sitting-room. Once there, her light-hearted manner left her altogether.
"Jack," she began sadly, "I know it is all over between us, but can you find it in your heart to say you forgive me?"
"Quite, Juanita. Badly as you have treated me, I forgive you everything."
"And you believe, Jack, that whatever I may have done, I loved you once?"
"Yes, I honestly believe that you did love me. But, Juanita, will you let me ask you one question?"
"A hundred if you like, Jack; for this will be our last meeting. After to-night we shall never see each other again."
"What do you mean?"
"That I am going away,—never mind where,—away from England. Now, what is it you wish to ask me?"