New-York tribune., 1910-11-20
CHAPTER XIX.
Cancellation

n1v # was very light in texture and fell from
the lines of her figure and tra1led out INTO the Y
obscurity of the corridor from which she had
emerged. He was not that he was quite HI
awake, and stood staring, wondering II 1t was G.
really Natalie only phantom OF Hope: W
But the door no longer bolted. 1t had II
swung outward wide upon its hinges and the H
phantom smiling. ~
You seem surprised, she laughed Dldl 81
they tell you | expected? II
mo. I've been reading. They probably h;
thought was asleep | didn't hear you come &C
in. Won't you sit down?
He brought forward an armchair, put his tt
pipe on the table, and, she sat- moved to 81
the mantel unwilling to believe that her visit oi
was without Interior motive. He remen- "
bered that once before she had visited him II tt
with something to ask. A similar object doubt al
less aCtuated her now, and with an effort he
repressed every visible token of his happiness tr
and stood with awkward ornaity waiting tor d
her speak She was apparently much at OF
her ease, and leaned back III her ch1lr regard Al
ing him Curiousy.
''Wel aren't you at least going to inquire A
for my health2' she asked
''That's unnecessary, when one looks at :.
you" he said civlly. I've hardly ever seen IN
you looking handsomer. a,
Thanks I'm very well. There is no "
cuse for my being anything else; but | feel u
little ashamed of myself when l think how
hard you must have been working"
Il haven't had much leisure.
"You really are very tired, she was examining him
minutelv "Wont you come to the light and let
me look at you? Besides when you stand up you make
me think I'm welcome"
He shrugged apologies and came over and took the
chair by the lamp and she leaned forward her chin
her wrists, inspecting him. "1es, she continued
slowly, you re thin-much thinner than when | saw
you last. 1t doesn't you had any right to let
your system get run down
He Welded pacidly her inspection, he realized
that her interest not simulated. But he still
upon his guard. Such sudden interest too amazing
to be true.
You're very kind" he murrnured politely. 4
haven't had much time think about myself; but I'm
quite well.
He stopped, and then looked at her with rather a
frank expression of inquiry. He had intention of
committing himself; for here his rooms, alone, he felt
the spell of her presence the subtle charm of her
illness which she had suddenly shown him. and he
The mask of enmity had far proved adequate dis
guise and he prepared to don it the spirit camored
too loudly for utterance.
7 SUPPOSE YOU think I've come to ask another ia
vOr? she said quietly.
Il wondering what
Don't do me an Injustice. Strangely enough, came
in here because wanted you and to talk vOu
You probably don't bel me; but it true The light
in this room seemed very onely. thought perhaps it
wasn't 100 late TO show you that was glad o find you
here
He did not look at her. but note il her voice made
him dsrst himself and he fell back nstinctvely upon
recrninaton. :" admire your courage he muttered
She looked at hi profile steadily for a moment What
she found there did not diSrnay her; for she
Il don't think I'm afraid of you Curiousv enough.
seem to feel that here in Your can throw
myself on your mercy. don't see how | can compl-
ment YOU more
He appraised her rudely, "Of course l should feel
very much tiattered to have you speak to all.
' But you dont?' she asked.
Yes" he drawed Il think do but I'd be better
satisfied if | knew the reason.
She smiled patiently. Il said your light attracted
me Call me a moth, if you kc-at any rate here am
me-"
He turned facing her squarely and his deep set eyes