"'Then I will thank you for all your friendship,' she said."
"I put up my hand. 'At least do not thank me,' I cried. I could not face her serene eyes, and that little lifting of the brows with which she answered my words. Awe, dread, passion—these were at war within me, and the dead man lay on the floor at my feet, I pushed the door open and fled."
Colonel Saval sat up in his chair and uncrossed his legs.
"I saw her no more," he said. "Madame la Comtesse knows how she returned to Algiers and presently died there? Yes."
The Comtesse bowed. "I thank you, Monsieur," she said. "You have done me a great service."
"I am honored," he replied, as he rose. "I wish you a good-night.
Mademoiselle, good-night."
He was gone. The white doors closed behind him. The Comtesse raised her face and kissed the tall, gentle girl.
"Leave me now," she said. "I must read my letter alone."
And Elsie went. The story was finished at last.