There was a gleam inside her eyes and a black glow inside her face that madeRance Belmont for one brief moment tremble, but he lighted anothercigarette and with a bow of exaggerated politeness left the room.

The days that followed were anxious ones for Mrs. Corbett. Manystoppers sat at her table as the Christmas season drew near, and manytimes she heard allusions to her young neighbor which filled her withapprehension. She had carefully counted the days that it would take herletter to reach its destination, and although there had been time for areply, none came.

CHAPTER VIII.

_SHAD0WS 0F THE NIGHT_.