Oh, you hurt me so! Cannot you see how this interview pains me! Won't you go--go now, and leave me in peace." "But surely you will not drive me away unheard!--not refuse to learn the truth." "The truth! It is the truth I already know, the truth which hurts." "Nevertheless you are going to hear my story.

If I have done a wrong to you, or any one, I want it pointed out, so it may be made right.

I shall not leave this room, nor your presence, until I have uttered my last word of explanation.

I should be a coward to turn away.

Will you sit down and listen?
You need not even speak until I am done." She looked at me helplessly, her eyes full of questioning, yet, when I extended a hand, she drew back quickly.
"Yes--I--I suppose I must." She sank back upon the couch, these words barely audible, and I drew a deep breath, hardly knowing where to begin.
"I am a Federal officer, Miss Hardy, and my uniform is no passport to your favor, yet that is no reason you should be unjust.