Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-11-18

then Hepburn spoke.
night have known he said There
''9'n'fnent in his voice. Rather unimpas stoned
statement of facts "Of course it would be you
jack. don't blame you or her, butt must think
what shall do"
lie rose if to go without further words but
Aacarthur stopped him.
sit down. Arthur" he said in quiet voice.
There's to be said
Hepburn looked at him inquringly, and resumed
his seat.
You're going too fast" went Macarthur. NOW
listen. We've always been friends and this mustn't
come between us. might lie to you and send you
away again. hut it wouldn't help me. Id have to
tell her the truth. and you know that would end It,
so far as I'm concerned" -
Htit you miss my viewpoint said Hepburn. wes
rly. Shes forgotten mo- and If"
She hasn't forgotten you" interrupted Macarthur
IF she had-I might don't know--but anyway she
hasn't"
Their eyes met steadily. Then Hepburn reached
out and took Macarthur's hand.
Il must go to her, Jack. Good-by," he said. and
hurrodly left the office
Macarthur waited a moment then pulled the desk
telephone toward him and called for a number
That YOU Eleanor? his voice steady and
cheerful Il find l can't come out tonight after all
and listen, something tremendous has happened.
can tell you just what. But want you to pre-.
pare Yourself for anything that may come-no I
va" explain. But you must try and think of the
very best thing that could possibly happen. the
thlnS you want most, and be ready for it, l can't
tell YOU any more-no, ] can't Good-by."
lie hung up the receiver, and his face drawn
as he settled back in his chair For half hour he
scarcely moved but sat staring at a point on the
opposite wall Then he shvered as though cold
shook himself and his jaw set squarely. He pushed
call button and his stenographer entered.
Bring your book. Miss Hunt" he said briskly
I'll give you dictaton.'
IL was erening when Hepburn alighted from the
train at Chatham Farms. The house the hill
MS house-was already lit up, and he set out for it
III eager haste. But as he approached his pace
slackened, and when he turned in at the gates he
could hardly bring himself to advance at all.
He should have sent her word. He should have
prepared her. II cruel to come thus suddenly
from the dead He recalled the effect OF his appear
ance upon Macarthur 1t not right to
wofnun So He had halted and scanning the
lighted interior. Nothing seemed to be changed. 1t
was the same place. Home!
Then suddenly he saw her door opened and
she entered the library tall graceful Just as he
had known her. She crossed the room and came
10 one OF the windows, where she stood looking out
lie could not see her face for the lights be-
hind her, but every outline of her figure was familiar:
every movement ne cOuld anOClpate; in sudden
rush OF memories all his doubts were swept aside.
quickly he approached the house. and presently
she saw him; and drew back little from the win.
do" Almost without thought, before he consciously
knew what he did, he halted and whisted their
trNsting call. 1t was the call he had used in his
''''"s DAYS to apprise her of his presence and
ne sa" her stop in her retreat. Her hands went to
heT breast and she stood staring out the window
He repeated the notes. If she had hesitated then
perhaps ne would have turned away. But at the
second call he saw her turn and run toward the hall
ana with choking sensation he hurried up the steps
10 meet her as she opened the door,
Eleanor" lie said. and arthur" she answered
him. "Arthur.' Then his arms were round her and
he held her to him close.
Are you slad?' he asked presently, not because
he did not know. but because he wanted to hear
her say it.
She drew back till she could look hin in the eyes
Her own were filled with tears and her voice from
bcd as she spoke.
on boy she said "Ive wanted yor &c, I never
knew until lost you"
She chung to him as though sca-fu, he n,ieht sl,n
away again.
But I've come back, Nora" no said, "snd ven
start over again"
1T VIII be like a seco.d honeymoon"
Yes" he answered. "only please God. this ono
viii end"