been a frequent guest at the White House and who had told

He had perhaps been asking himself that question a quarter of an

hour before, but now he spoke helplessly, hardly knowing what he

said and feeling a continual tremor all over.

"Oh, how you are suffering!" she muttered in distress, looking

"It's all nonsense.... Listen, Sonia." He suddenly smiled, a pale

helpless smile for two seconds. "You remember what I meant to tell you

"I said as I went away that perhaps I was saying good-bye for

ever, but that if I came to-day I would tell you who... who killed