"It is bewildering," he said. "I am knocked on the head in some mysterious fashion, and the plans are stolen. I regain consciousness, and find you by my side with the wallet. What does it all mean?"
She told him what had happened.
"Wonderful!" he cried at the conclusion, catching hold of her hand, "to think that you, of all people, should come to my aid in this fashion! Do you know, Olive, I have thought of you every day during the last eight years; and now——" He paused and looked into her face.
"Ah! now," she said, falteringly, "our positions are so different. Remember, I am only a gov——"
"You are the woman I love," he interrupted; "and do you think I can let you go—after this? Olive, you cannot—you must not ask it of me! My dearest, you——?"
He stopped and looked into her eyes for the answer. Then, satisfied by what he saw there, he drew her gently to him.
At the breakfast table the next morning there was one absentee. The Count had been suddenly called away and had left by the early train.
"Extraordinary!" remarked Bobbie Scaife. "I wonder what was the reason?" he added, looking across at Winn.