Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-04-20

Comet.
1t was so like her own that she
could see how she had made a mistake.
But where was the strange chauffeur
taking her?
She glanced from the window and
uttered an almost hysterical cry.
They had turned into the elm avenue
which led to Ferncliff, and now the
long, low front of the closely shattered
house confronted her.
They drew up under the wide porte
cochere, and she saw the grave face
of old Angus. the butlr:'. pceri1g down
from the gloom of the uoorway. With
4 little sch she alighted and was stand
ing beside Angus before the chauffeur
descended from his seat.
Alicia was frightened and Devil
dered. In her agitation she could think
of nothing. The old butler greeted her
with puzzled glance, stepped aside,
bowling low. and she entered the door
and walked into the library.
Mr.. Osmond is not at home, is he?"
she asked. with a frightened look at
the old servitor.
NO, madam"
But you are keeping the house
open p. she asked, wondering mean
time how she could explain her ar
| rival
Mr.. Osmond," replied the butler, 'or
dered us to keep the house in readi-
! ness. He thought he might be home
any time, suppose"
Alicia's eyes were bright with tears.
THAT is all. You may go now, An
gus" she said kindly.
When she was alone she laid her
head ON the. broad arm of the huge
| leather covered chair beside her own.
/ 1t had been Norman's favorite seat,
and the very touch of it seemed to
| bring him nearer to her. She was
crying again when the soft closing of
the door caused her to lift her head!
She sprang TO her feet and confront
ed the muffied figure of the chauffeur
who had so strangely driven her down
to Ferncliff
Before she could dash away her tears
the man had removed his cap and Cog
giles and flung aside his coat. She saw
before her the haggard face and mis-
cradle eyes of her husband.
Norman she whispered family.
I"You?"
II want you he said deliberately,
lstanding with tightly folded arms-'I
want you, Alicia. l cannot live with
tout you You belong to me-
Il am SO glad" she breathed softly.
Il have wanted you. Norman, it has
! taI- oil
around and have been SO unhappy"
$50 have l." he said briefly as he
took her in his arms. 1.-THE next time
we disagree over any matter it will be
case for arbitration-eh, darling
Not the bitter punishment of separa-
ton
I When Alicia had sobbed herself into
peace she asked for an explanation
Where cid you come from, and where
is the Purple Comet? And everything
is so mixed up today"
II have been watching and-wait
ing" said Norman blushing a little. So
felt sure, darling. that you did not
hate me. This morning / drove Bar
, bara to town in her new purple car
the one outside. duplicate of th'
Purple Comet. When you came out OF
the shop your own man had gon'
around the block. You walked deliber
ately into the Chapin's machine, and
, couldn't resist the temptation to ruI
away with you"
And Barbara Chapin-what will sh,
. think about her carr" asked Alici
, wonderingly.
"She is probably still trying on bon
nets, or perhaps she has annexed tn
Purple Comet and gone home.'
Norman Osmond, did you bride Ste
vens to drive around the block?" de
panded Alicia. looking into her hus
, bands happy eyes.
Osmond laughed happily. 81 vii
confess that the immaculate Stevens i
not above corruption he admitted.
You will stay with me. Alicia?" h.
: asked again after a long while.
! Dear, never want to go away.
would rather be with you than any
where else in the world" she said bro
kenly.
:. Then it will be all right with u
. after this" he said. "Let us light
hearth fire, Alicia. We must never lie
1t go out again."