The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1906-1907, 1907-09-28
AQuestlOnO Of
Precedence.
D. CURRAM RIcMARp OREENLEY.

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The limited pulled out from the
station as a dash OF sleet against tha
windows gave warning Of the increas-
ing storm. Agatha shivered az she
pulled the wraps closer about her
shoulders. Somewhere out in that
swirl Of sleet and snow Dick Weldon
WAS breasting the storm, his dark
face darker stu with the pain that
her words had inflicted. Even 90. let
him 90 since it had to be a question
Of precedence between her love and
his profession. She recalled the night
that she had excused herself from her
hostess box party to remain at home
for Weldon's call, only to sit alcne 10
the deserted drawing room, ana he had
not even troubled to send an excuse.
That was the beginning Of the end.
Now her bridges were ell burned spd
every moment speeding her toward the
new life out there in the orient. Raah-
arine Laird's invitation TO 60 with
them to Japan had reached her at the
crucial moment-Japan, dim, d1sky
dream that all her life had lain inst
over the border Of possibility, and with
Katharine and Ellis Of all people!
Katharine wrote that the appointment
was not Of sufficient importance to
count as a political asset; therefore
they would be safe TO remain there Tor
years.
Then out Of the misty premises Of
the future came the memory Of Wei
don's face when badly, brutally, with
out one softening note OF regret, she
had told him of her plans and In the
next breath a conventional farewell in
the presence Of the other guests. She
had built up the wall Of injured pride
all too securely, leaving no loophoie for
,belatod explanations.
The train settled down to the long
run through the open country, ana the
twinkling lights OF villages swepk By
like hredies through the stormy da1h-
ness. Loneliness enGuleed her, and IN
desperation she sought refuge IN her
berth, to lie, open eyed, all the siaeD-
less night, while the certainty Of her
folly beat In upon her, clearer with
each succeeding hour.
Morning found them far out On the
deal level OF the pFalries, with the
snow coming down with undated en-
eTgy. The engine fought it's way
through the drifts, but at last the big
wheels stood still. Agatha woke up
to the fact that something was wrong
when the men began to file out Of the
car. Then a man came down the
aisle and stopped at her seat.
"Dick! Dick WeldonF' She was on
her feet, both hands outstretched and
all grievances forgotten in the glad
revulsiOn of feeling. II he had noticed
the Joy In face and voice, he made no
Slgn as he dropped into the vacant
seat.
I'VE are snowbound and may have
b spend the rest Of the day hsss until
the Dlow comes to our relief"
Tia matter Of fact tone put confusion
to flight and gave Agatha time to find
herself while he ran on with an easy
flow OF c0mmonplaces.
'Tou were on all night" she YEA
tuPed
a Weldon's eyes met hsrs fsirly. yes
would have made my presence
known, but feared you would resent
the intrusion; you have kept me 30
thoroughly out in the cold Of late."
'Lthat is" and the words failed har.
Weldon pulled a magazine from his
pocket and handed 1t to her, the shad-
ow Of a smile lurking In his eyes.
''Havs you seen that article On JaDE1s9
It may interest you" Then he van
ished behind his paper.
Agatha picked up the magazine, tie
gray blur between her eyes and ne
page threatening to overflow.
why need he haunt his indnerence
90 brazenlyr' she thought mo one
asked him to come" But she stole a
hook at the dark, intent face. and their
ayOs met. The paper fell to the hoor
sbOtwOen them. mo use, dear LADY, ]
confess. / followed because l could
not stay behind"
what! Left all those wonderfully
Interesting patients Just b follow mel
Hhs belated interest Il simply amaz-
ting" But the heightened color and
the laughter deep in her eyes behed
har words. Under cover Of the maya
nina Weldon's hand sought and found
herA Thay had the car practically to
Themselves, and the brown head
dropped perilously near TO Weldon
shoulder as he bent over the girl and
Cho door was flung open and a porter
dAahed through, yelling a. he went;
els there a doctor on boardf There's
a ehIId bout to die back theFe In the
way car, and it's mothers scared sim.
Weldon hesitated; then the cal %
duty Overcame. With an appealing
glance at the girl. "You win bear me
afterwardY@ he was gOna-
i AGATHA turned 10 ths bind whatcnesa
without, her lips trembling.
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