He entered, stooping of course, because neither he nor she could stand upright in the tents. He pulled up a stool and sat beside her. “You should have told me. I would not have exchanged a syllable with the man had I known that he truly is a beast and a murderer.”

“You believe me?” “Of course I believe you. You have not forgotten the life and death of your father, nor should you. How proud your father would be, Miss Matthews. Such courage! To become a famous reporter and cross half the world!”

She faced him squarely. “But you know that isn't true. I am not Camilla Matthews, age thirty and a seasoned reporter. I am Camilla Mateusz and I am seventeen.” She lifted her chin and told him every detail, those he had heard already in front of witnesses and those she had lacked the courage to state.

When she finished the true narrative of her life, he was staring aghast. She awaited his contempt. But no, he was shouting with laughter. Kissing her!

“Forgive me,” he said. “I was forward. I deeply apologize. But oh, Miss Matthews! I thought you a queen all along. In my thoughts, I compared you to the queens of ancient Egypt. Partly, that was your fine height and straight spine, your carriage and manner. Although of course,” he corrected himself, “the real queens of ancient Egypt, whose mummies I myself have examined, were short and bent. Yet I was correct. You are as royalty. What zest! What courage! Camilla, how proud I am that you trust me with the truth.”

She had to laugh. “I have no royal blood, sir. I am the daughter of Polish immigrants. And I have no idea what is to become of me except that I must leave.”

“Leave? Do not think of such a thing! Might I have the honor of asking you to become Camilla Lightner?” he said. His words tumbled over one another in his excitement. “We will live in Cairo. I will support your family. I promise, no matter how badly I need donations, to accept none from Hiram Stratton. If necessary, I will become a professor of history in some obscure American college attended by dull and unworthy students. I will do anything to support you properly and not compromise your high standards.”

He was a good man.

Was it possible that she could be a good woman?

She thought of Katie, and thought she could hear Katie laughing, saying, of course you can. Goodness is a decision. Make it now.

“Yes,” said Camilla.

“What children we will have!” cried Archibald Lightner, kissing her once more. “How brave and strong they will be!”

“And tall,” said Camilla.

ANNIE