GORDON KEITH
  "In part-mainly. But I was mad." He
drew his hand across his forehead, sat back
in his chair, and, with eyes averted, sighed
deeply. His thoughts were evidently far from
Keith. Keith's eyes rested on him, and his face
paled a little with growing resolution.
  "One question, Norman. Pardon me for ask-
ing it. My only reason is that I would give
my life, a worthless life you ouce saved, to see
you as you once were. I know more than you
think I know. You love her still I know you
must. "
  Norman turned his eyes and let them rest
on Keith's face. They were filled with anguish.
  "Better than my life. I adore her."
  Keith drew in his breath with a long sigh of
relief and of content.
  "Oh, I have no hope," Norman went on de-
spairingly. "I gave her every right to doubt
it. I killed her love. I do not blame her. It
was all my fault. I know it now, when it is too
late. "
  "It is not too late."
  Norman shook his head, without even looking
at Keith.
  "Too late," he said, speaking to himself.
  Keith rose to his feet.
                    346