My punishment had begun, and it would always go on through my life with Raoul, I knew, even if no great disaster came.

Into the heart of my happiness would come the thought of that hidden spot; how often, oh, how often, would I feel that thought stir like a black bat! I could no longer rest with my eyes shut, at peace after the storm.

I shuddered and sobbed, though my lids were dry, and Raoul tried to soothe me, thinking it was but my excitement in playing for the first time a heavy and exacting part.

He little guessed how heavy and exacting it really was! "Darling," he said, "you were wonderful.

And how proud I was of you--how proud I am.