The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-01-27
THE RETURN OF HEPBURN
By Frederick WalwOrth Brown.

then Hepburn spoke. T right have known he said. There was no resentment in his voice. Rather unimpassioned statement of facts. "Of it would be you. Jack I don't blame you her, butt think what shall do
 He if to go without further words. but Macarthur stopped him.
 "sit down. Arthur" he said a quiet voice There's to be said"
 Hepburn looked at him inquiringIy. and resumed his seat.
 You're going too fast" went on Macarthur. "rJow listen We've always been friends and this mustn't come between us. might lie to you and send you away again. but it wouldn't help I'd have to tell her the truth. and you know that would end it, so far I'm concerned" -
 But you miss my viewpoint" said Hepburn, Wea' rlly She's forgotten and if" -
 She hasn't forgotten you" interrupted Macarthur Ii she had-I might-I don't know-but anyway she hasn't"
 Their eyes met steadily Then Hepburn reached out and took Macarthur's hand.
 T rust go to her. Jack. Good-by" he said, and hurrfedly left the office
 Macarthur waited moment, then pulled the desk 'elephone toward him and called for a number
 mat you Eleanor? his voice steady and cheerful I find can't come out tonight after all and listen. something tremendous has happened.
 can tell you just what. 3ut I want you o pre- pare pare yourself for anything that may come-no, AH explain But you must try and think of the very pest thing that could possibly happen the thing you want most. and be ready it. can't tell you any moreno I can't. Good-by.'
 He hung up the receiver, and his face drawn as he settled back in his chair. half an hour scarcely moved. but sat staring at a point on the opposite wall Then he shivered as though cold shook himself and his jaw set squarey. He pushed call button and his stenographer entered.
 Bring your book, Miss Hunt,' he said briskly I'll give you dictation.'
 It was evening 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 ln eager haste But he approached his pace slackened and when turned the gates he coud hardly bring himself to advance at all.
 He should have sent her word He should have prepared her. It was cruel to come thus suddenly from the dead. recalled effect of his appear ance upon Macarthur. It not right to wonan He had halted and scanning the lighted interior. Nothing seemed to be changed It was the place. Home!
 Then suddenly he her. door opened and she entered the library, tall. graceful just he had known her. She crossed the and came to one of the windows. where she looking out. He could not her face the lights were be- hind her. but every outline her figure was familiar: every movement he could anticipate; n a. sudden rush ofsmemories all his doubts were swept aside
 Quickly he approached the house. and presently she saw him; and drew back a little from the win dow. Almost without thought before he consciously knew what he did he halted and whistled their trysting call It was the call he had used his rCng days to apprise her of his presence and ne saw her stop in her retreat Her hands went to her breast and she stood staring out the window
 He repeated the notes. If she had hesitated then perhaps' he would have turned away. But the second call he saw her turn and toward hall. and with choking sensation he hurried up steps to meet her she opened the door,
 "1leanor!" he said and rArthur!" she answered him. Arthur" Then his were round her and he held her to him close
 Are you gIad?" he asked presently not because he did not know, but because he wanted to hear her say
 She drew back till shescoud look him in the eyes Her own were filled with tears. and her voice trem- bled she spoke.
 "Oh boy" she said "Ive wanted you sol I never until I you"
 She clung to him though fearful he might slip away again
 But I've come back. Nora" he said. land we'll start again"
 "It will be like seco.-d honeymoon"
 "Yes" he answered. "only. please God, this one will never end"