"Can I do anything for you? Tell me quickly, for I earnestly desire to help you."
"You are good," said Nina. "You have a true voice, as well as a true face. Yes, I sent for you. I do want you to be kind to me. I want you to take a present from me to Captain Bertram."
"A present? What?"
"This little packet. It is sealed and addressed. Inside there is a story. That story would make Captain Bertram unhappy. I know the story; he does not know it. On your wedding-day, after you are married, give him this packet. When you put it in his hands, say these words, 'Nina sent you this, Loftus, and you are to burn it.' You must promise to see him burn the packet. What is the matter? Aren't you going to take it?"
"Yes, I will take it. Give it to me; I will put it in my pocket. Now, wait a moment. I want to run downstairs. I will come back again."
She softly closed the door of Nina's room, rushed downstairs, and out into the street.
Captain Bertram was passing the Bells' door when Beatrice ran up to him.
"Loftus, I want you," she said.
He turned in astonishment. He had been walking down the street, lost in a miserable dream. Beatrice, in her sharp, clear tone awoke him. He started, a wave of color passed over his dark face.
"Is anything wrong?" he asked, almost in alarm. "Bee, you are excited!"