“You mean that your yesterday’s clothes were only a disguise?”
“Only a disguise.”
He pondered for a moment. No, a woman of position, which he had half guessed her to be, would have no reason for discontent; no reason for risking comfort, wealth, life even, in this struggle for better conditions. After all, she was probably one of those rarely beautiful, rare-spirited women who now and again flower among the common people.
“Then this is all I am to know?” he asked slowly.
“That I am just one of the hundred thousand—that is all.”
She started toward the door.
“Wait!” he cried. “Wait! Surely I shall see you again.”
She shook her head. “You are not to be released till after my mission has been accomplished. By that time I shall have disappeared. This is the last time we shall meet. Good-bye.”
Her hand was on the knob, when Drexel sprang forward and threw himself between her and the door.
“No! No! No!” his words burst forth. “I can’t lose you forever like this! I can’t! I can’t!”