Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-11-20
CHAPTER XIX.
Cancellation

only it was very light in texture and fell from Il
the lines of her figure and traied out into the ,
obscurity of the corridor from which she had II
emerged He not sure that he was quite +
awake, and stood staring, wondering if it was II
really Natalie or only phantom OF Hope. Il v
But the door longer bolted. 1t had II t
swung outward wide upon its hinges and the
phantom was smiling.
you surprised, she laughed. Didn't
they tell you l was expected" :
mo I've been reading. They probably
thought was asleep. didn't hear you come
in Won't you sit down."
He brought forward armchair, put his
pipe the table, and, as she sat, moved to
the mantel, unwilling to believe that her visit 9
without Interior motive. He remem-
bered that once before she had visited him +
with something to ask. similar object doubt a
less actuated her now, and with an effort he
repressed every visible token of his happiness
and stood with awkward formality waiting for Z
her to speak. She was apparently much at
her ease, and leaned back in her chair regard q
ing him cur1ouSly
"Well aren't you at least going to inquire 4
for my health?" she asked.
THAT'S unnecessary, when one looks at
you looking handsomer"
Thanks. I'm very we'll. There is no ex-
cuse for my being anything else; but feel t.
little ashamed OF myself when think how
hard you must have been working"
Il haven't had much leisure.
You really are very tired she was examining him i'm
infinitely. won't you come over to the light and let
me look at your Besides when you stand up you make
think I'm not welcome.
He shrugged apologies and came over and TOOK the
chair by the lamp, and she leaned forward her chin
her wrists, inspecting him. YES" she continued
slowly, "you' re thinemuch thinner than when saw
you last 1t doesn't seem as you had any right to let
your system get so run down..
He yielded placidly to her inspection, he realized
that her interest not simulated But he still
upon his guard Such sudden interest was too amazing
to be true.
you're very kind" he murmured politely. II
haven't had much time to think about myself but I'm
quite WE'LL
He STONED and then looked at her with rather
frank expression of inquiry. He had intention of
committing himself; for here in his rooms alone he felt
the spell of her presence the subtle charm of her
illness which she had so suddenly shown him. and he
knew would require effort of will to keep his
The mask of enmity had far proved adequate dis
guise and he prepared to don it if the spirit clamored
too loudly for utterance.
I SUPPOSE you think I've come to ask another ia
vor?" she said quietly.
Il was wondering what"
Don't do me an Injustice. Strangely enough, came
in here because wanted to you and to talk you.
You probably don't believe me; but it's true. The light
in this seemed very lonely. thought perhaps it
wasn't too late to show you that was glad to find you
here"
He did not look at her. but note in her voice made
him distrust himself and he fell back instinctvey upon
recrimination g admire your courage, he muttered.
She looked at his profile steadily for moment What
she found there did dsmay her; for she went
Il don't think I'm afraid of you Curiously enough
to feel that here in your rooms can throw
myself on your mercy. l don't see how l can compi
ment you more.
He appraised her rudely "Of course should feel
very much attered to have you speak to at all
But you don't?" she asked
Eyes" he drawled, Il think do; but I'd be better
satisfied if | knew the reason"
She smiled patiently. Il said your light attracted
me. Call moth, if you like-at any rate here am,
with no excuse or even motive. Won't you believe
me?"
He turned facing her squarey and his deep set eyes
looked at her intenty that her gaze fell before his
He did reply once and she felt that the of