"Why, yes—I expect so—but if——"

"Oh! Is there an 'if'?' Euan, are you going away forever?"

"Dear maid, I don't know yet what has happened——"

"I do! You are going!... To your death, perhaps—for all I know——"

"Hush! And good-night——"

She held to my offered hand tightly:

"Don't go—don't go——"

"I will return and tell you if——"

"'If!' That means you will not return! I shall never see you again!"

I had flung one arm around her, and she stood with one hand clenched against her lips, looking blankly into my face.