The young stranger was unquestionably a fool. She had not dreamed that
any one could be so reckless and heedless, so contemptuous of the dread
machinery of the law, so willing to risk his very life for the sake
of--of seeing her again!
"If he has been impertinent, possibly you will take no notice of his
communication," suggested Popova.
"Oh, I _must_--I must at least acknowledge the receipt of it. Common
courtesy demands that. I shall write just a few lines and you must take
them to him at once. He seems to be a very forward person unacquainted
with our local customs, and so I shall formally thank him and suggest to
him that any further correspondence would be inadvisable. That's the
really proper thing to do, don't you think?"
"Possibly."
"Then wait here until I have written it, and unless you wish me to go to
my father and tell him something that would put an end to your
illustrious career, deliver this message within a hour--deliver it
yourself. Give it to him and to no one else."
Never was a go-between more nonplussed, but he promised with a readiness
and a sincerity which indicated that he was keenly aware of the fact
that Kalora held him in her power. The minx had read his secret without
an effort!
Mr.
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