'But—but——'
'Oh, I don't ask you to believe me now,' he said bitterly. 'I am not noble, Mademoiselle. I was only too proud to say I loved you that night, as,' with another smile, 'I was only too proud not to say it before.'
Valerie raised her face and her eyes were full of light.
'Then it was true—thank God!'
But Rallywood, though he saw the purpose of her speech, would not understand its significance. He led her towards the door by which she had entered.
'You must go, Mademoiselle. I—dare not keep you with me longer. Good-bye, and may God go with you, Valerie!'
She stopped suddenly and kissed the hand that held hers.
'I too am proud,' she whispered, and the door closed upon her.