“Sister Ruth, our Matron, is thoroughly acquainted with my past life, but she kindly respects my sorrows, and deems it unnecessary to publish the details among the Sisterhood.  Do you know me so little, that you imagine I am capable of abusing the confidence of the head of an establishment which mercifully shelters an outcast?”

She stepped back, and motioned her visitor to a seat near the balcony.

“I should be very reluctant to ascribe any unworthy motive to you; therefore I fail to understand why you desire to preserve your incognito, especially since the signal vindication of your innocence.  The news of the extraordinary discovery of the picture on the glass, and of your complete acquittal, even of suspicion, gave me so much pleasure that I should have written you my hearty congratulations, had I been able to obtain your address.”

“I felt assured you would rejoice with me; and because I hold your good opinion so valuable, let me say that my happiness in the unexpected vindication of my character was enhanced by the proud consciousness that in your estimation I needed none.  When the blackness of an intolerable shame overshadowed me, you groped your way to the dungeon, and held out your hands in confidence and sympathy.  All the world suspected; you trusted me.  You offered your noble name as bond, and made a place for me at your own sacred hearthstone.  Do you think I can ever forget the blessedness of the balm that your faith in me poured into my crushed, despairing heart?  Do you doubt that no sun sets, without seeing me on my knees, praying God’s blessing of perfect happiness for you?  What would I not do—­what would I not suffer—­to secure your peace, and to prove my gratitude?”

Her voice vibrated like the silver string of a deep violon-cello, and Leo, gazing up into the misty splendor of the beautiful sad eyes, ceased to wonder at the fascination which she had exerted over Mr. Dunbar.  Unintentionally this woman’s face had marred her life; had unwittingly stolen her lover’s heart; yet she believed no treachery sullied the pure perfection of the soft red lips, and Leo’s generous nature rose above the narrow limits of ordinary feminine jealousy.  Had she doubted for an instant the theory that Beryl was heroically suffering the penalty of a crime, in order to screen her guilty lover, some suspicion of the truth might have dawned upon her.

“Suppose I intend to put your gratitude to the test?  You have exaggerated the debt which you acknowledge; are you prepared to cancel it?  If I say to you, because I believed in you, trusted you, will you repay me now, by granting a favor which I shall ask?”

“I think Miss Gordon could express no wish that I would not gladly execute, in order to promote her happiness.”

“Will you come back to X——­and help me to establish a home for women, who are destitute alike of money and of family ties?  When you preside over it I shall be haunted by no fears of failure.  Once, I gave you my sympathy; now, when I need help, will you give me yours?”