Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-07-20


what do you mean By thatg he asked
gravely
AHx' eyes came back to his face
'T-I don't know" she stammered.
They sat down. Collingeford dropped
his hat and stick and leaned for
ward A dull color burned in his
cheeks. "Alix," he said. "has-has
anything happened?"
'No," said Alix. mot what vo,,
mean. Gerry is alive. He has writ
ten. He says he is coming back
some time"
ColIingeford sprang to his feet. his
eyes flashing.
''Some time. Did he really write
that? Some timer
There was a petulant look about
Alfx' mouth that belonged to an Ally
of long ago She tried to shake If off
with her mood. No" she said dn1gv
after a pause. He didn't write iust
that but it amounts to the same thing
he wrote but he has not come"
Collingeford paced up and down the
little veranda. his arms crossed and
one hand pulling neryously at his mus
tache. He came to a stop before Aux
and stood looking down at her, his
eyes eager but questioning. "Wen?'
he said.
AliX made a little gesture of despair
with her two hands II don't know"
she repeated. Then, quite quietly, she
began to cry.
ColIingefOrd caught her lands and
drew her to her feet, He put his arms
around her. She laid her head against
his shoulder and sobbed CoIlinge-
ford's heart was beating furiously.
His arms trembled. He Ionged to
strain her to him, but he only held her
firmly and patted her back. Some in
stinct told him that this was not the
moment of possession.
When AliX could talk he knew that
his instinct was true. ooh" she said,
what a little beast 1 am! Unfair to
you, unfair to myself"
She disengaged herself and sat
down. With a tiny square of cambria
she dabbed at her eyes.
Here" said Collingeford, and held
out a big, fresh handkerchief.
Alix took it and used it solamnIy.
Then it's bulk struck a sudden note
Of humor. She laughed and CoIlinge-
ford smiled. AS he gave back the hand
kerchief she pressed CoIlingeford's
hand. II have been a little beast"
NO" said Collingeford gravely,
you have been unspeakabIy lOvable."
1T would have been that if I loved
you. But I don't. That's why I've
been a beast. To make you think"
Collingef0rd interrupted her. You
made me think nothing. Somehow
knew. I knew it was just loneliness
running over from a full heart"
AliX nodded. How wonderful of
you to understand" she said Lone
Iy. Yes. I've been terribly lonely.
Never before so lonely"
you shall not be lonely any more"
said ColIingeford. every day I'll
come ana talk TO you, take you out
anything. I'm yours"
AliX shook her head from side to
side. Her eyes refused him.
"Alix," cried Collingeford, hurt,
don't you want me even for a friend?"
Don't mistake what I'm going to
say, will yOu?" said AIix.
ColIingeford shook his head.
Gerry is coming back" went on
AK, ''but-T don't know what he is
bringing back Perhaps it is some
thing he can't share with me; perhaps
it is something l do not want. When
you went away I had only faith; now
I have only doubt. Such a big doubt.
That's why [ said to you, I don't
know And while l don't know I will
not have you even for a friend" Alix
flushed and fixed her eyes on Collinge-
ford's face. do you understands
COllingeford's eyes were glowing
eyes" he said, 81 think I do. You
mean tfflt perhaps-later on-you will
send for me-"
"Perhaps-only perhaps" whispered
Aiix
Collingeford picked up his hat and
stick He took AIiX' hand and held it
long. She. would not look up. He
stopped and kissed her fingers.
81 shall be waiting" he said.