“What will make you take it?�

Something like a gleam of cunning came into the face. The answer came:

“Kiss me!�

She battled with herself for a moment silently, and then, bending closer, touched his forehead with her lips.

“That isn’t all! You must say: ‘I forgive you!’�

“I can’t!�

“All—right, then!�

Silence ensued. The angles of the features were growing pinched and sharp; a bluish shade was creeping about the mouth. She cast a glance of scorn at her own reflection, caught in a mirror that hung against the opposite wall, and said the words:

“I forgive you! Isn’t that enough?�

“Not quite. ‘I love you—and——’�