The harder he sought to delve into the mystery, the more obscure it became.

The young woman herself thoroughly baffled him.

If this was merely a test, it was certainly a most unusual one, and he hoped he had met the requirements to her entire satisfaction.

He already frankly acknowledged to himself, at least, that she had become of personal interest to him.

He fell a peculiar desire to be of service; but this desire was now permeated with a firm determination to know the whole truth.