The Washington herald., 1907-08-16

wraps closer ABOUT her shoulders. Some
where out in that swirl Of sleet and snow,
Dick Weldon was breasting that storm.
his dark face darker still with the pain
that her words had inflicted. Even so
let him 60; since II had 10 be a question
Of precedence between her love and his
profession. She recalled the night that
she had excused herself from her hos
tess box party TO remain at home for
Weldon's CALL only TO sit alone in the de-
serted drawing-room, and he had not even
troubled to send an excuse
That was the beginning Of the end; now
her bridges were all burned and every
moment speeding her toward the new life
out there in the Orient. Katharine Laird's
invitation 10 go with them 10 Japan had
reached her at the crucial moment ia
pan. dim. dushy dream that all her life
had lain just over the border Of posi-
bility and with Katharine and Ellis, OF
all people. Katharine wrote that the ap-
pointment was not of sufficient impor-
lance to count as a political asset. there
fore they would be safe 10 remain there
for years.
Then, out Of the misty premises Of the
future came the memory Of Weldon's
face when badly, brutally. without 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 100 securely,
leaving no loophole for belated explana-
tons.
The train settled down 10 the long run
through the open country. and the twink
ling lights Of villages swept by like fire.
flies through the stormy darkness. Lone
illness ingulfed her, and in desperation
she sought refuge IN her berth. to lie.
open-eyed all the sleepless night, while
the certainty Of her folly beat in upon
her. clearer with each succeeding hour.
Morning found them far out on the
dead level of the prairies, with the snow
coming down With unabated energy. The
engine fought its way through the drifts.
but at last the big wheels stood still.
Agatha woke up TO the fact that some
thing was wrong when the men began
TO file out Of the car. Then man came
down the aisle and stopped at her seat.
Dick! Dick Weldon She was or
her feet. both hands outstretched and all
grievances forgotten in the glad revul-
sion of feeling. If ne noticed the Joy in
face and voice. he made no sign as he
dropped into the vacant seat.
We are snowbOund. and may have 10
spend the rest Of the day here until the
plow comes to our relief
The matter-of-fact tone put confusion
10 flight and gave Agatha time 10 ano
herself, while he ran on with an easy
flow OF commonplace.
You were on all night?" she ventureo.
Weld0E's eyes met hers fairly-"Yes. I
would have made my presence known, but
feared you would resent the intrusion;
you have kept me so thoroughly out il.
the cold Of late"
THAT is. and the words failed hel
Weldon pulled a magazine from his
pocket and handed Il to her. the shadow
OF a smile lurking in his eyes. Have
you seen that article on japan? It may
interest you" Then he vanished behind
his paper.
Agatha picked UP the magazine. the
gray blur between her eyes and the page
threatening 10 overflow.
Why need he haunt his indifference
so brazenly?" she thought. NO one
asked him TO come" But she stole a
look at the dark. intent face, and their
eyes met The paper fell to the floor be-
tween them. NO use. dear lady. con-
TESS. I followed because I could not
stay behind"
What. Left all those wonderfully in
teresting patients Just 10 follow me? This
belated interest is simply amazing"
but the heightened color and the laughter
deep in her eyes belied her words. IN
der cover Of the magazine Weldon's hand
sought and found hers. They had the
car practically TO themselves. and the
brown head dropped perilOusly near 70
Weldons shoulder as he bent over the
girl and the door was flung open and a
porter dashed through, yelling as he went,
rs there a doctor on board? There's n
child bout to die back there in the way
car and its mothers scared stiff"
Weldon hesitated, then the call to duty
overcame. With an appealing glance at
the girl:
You will hear me afterward?" he was
gone
Agatha turned to the blind whiteness
without, her lips trembling.
1T viii always be sO-a secondary con-
sideratiOn." She knew the words he
would have said-felt the lost sweetness
Of the deSecrated moment. Hours seemed |
10 pass IN the next ten minutes The
porter returned for Weldon's suit case
then the passengers dTifted back into the |
warm car. There is nothing exciting in |
contemplating a snowdrift, and they |
could continue the discussion in comfort. |
Agatha longed TO escape the chatter.
She went through the intervening |
Ella.
end, in little space she found Weldon. /
His coat was off. the instrument case
open on the floor. and across the dingy |
velvet OF the seat lay the child.
Weldon turned quickly,
1t IS malignant diphtheria. Are you /
afraid?"
She shook her head, her eyes growing |
soft with pity as she watched the little
head tossing from side TO side and heard |
the choking gasps For the first time
Agatha understood.
Can help you?"
The smile that lit his dark face was her
reward.
4 would not have asked it. but I would
be only too thankful If you would. Get
that alcohol lamp started. These instru- II
ments must be sterilized."
Agatha obeyed losing all sensa %
strangeness in the surroundings. as VEL,
con Issued his orders and those short
gasps grew more labored. With the nor
ter assistance. he placed the child on
little table borrowed from the sleener
then, looking steadily into the girls eyes |,
for the first time, called her bv name
agatha. try 10 remember that this "a
absolutely necessary. that the child is
unconscious and does not feel the main
lie ready 10 give me the Instruments os
l call for them. and don't let q though,
OF LII. et1ffnrlrr- tro..t.1. -. :. -.