And a frank and loyal friend will answer." "And when shall I see you again ?" "Did I not tell you," she said, moving to the bell, for this was leave-taking--"that I shall be in Venice at Easter ?" Paul went out into the frosty air, and the bright wintry stars shone down on him.

Often on such nights he had looked up, wondering which was his star, the star that guided his destiny.

But to-night no such fancy crossed his mind.

He did not think of the stars.

He did not think of his destiny.