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Now had come the memory of Nellie--dear, frank-eyed, open-hearted

Nellie Tanner--and the thought that her fresh wholesomeness was

pledged to make glad the life of Nat Burns seared his heart. A

cloud settled down on his brow. But in a moment he recalled

himself. His hostess had asked him a question; he must answer it.

"Yes, I have wanted something--and couldn't get it."

"Yes," said Elsa slowly, "a thing is bad enough; but it seems to

me that the most hopeless thing in the world is to want a person

in that way." Her voice was dreamy and retrospective. Its

peculiar, vibrant timbre thrilled him with the thought that

perhaps there was some hidden tragedy in her life that he had

never suspected. Any unpleasant sense that she was curious was

overcome by the manner in which she spoke.

"Yes, it is," he answered solemnly.