The Glenwood post., 1916-07-15
a NOVEL
GEORGE AGNEW CIIAkfBERIL AIN
coPx1RI0w AY The cx7zRY ca

NO., said Alix, mot what you
mean. Gerry is alive. He has writ
ten. he says he is coming back
some time"
Collingeford sprang to his feet, his
eyes flashing.
"some time! Did he really write
that? Some timer"
There was a petulant look about
Alix' mouth that belonged to an Anx
of long ago. She tried to shake it of
with her mood. "No," she said duly,
after a pause. "He didn't write just
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 nervously at his mus
tache. He came to stop before Alix
and stood looking down at her, his
eyes eager but questioning. "WellT
he said.
Alix made little gesture Of despair
with her two hands. IL don't know"
she repeated. Then, quite quietly, she
began to cry.
Collingeford caught her hands and
drew her to her feet. he put his arms
around her. She laid her head against
his shoulder and sobbed. Collinge-
ford's heart was beating furiously.
His arms trembled. He longed 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 Anx could talk he knew that
his instinct was true. "Oh," she said,
what little beast l am! Unfair to
you, unfair to myself"
She disengaged herself and sat
down. With a tiny square of cambric
she dabbed at her eyes.
Here" said Collingeford. and held
out big, fresh handkerchief.
Alix took it and used 1t solemnly.
Then its bulk struck a sudden note
Of humor. She laughed and Collinge-
ford smiled. AS he gave back the hand
kerchief she pressed Collingeford's
hand. II have been a little beast"
NO" said Colllngeford gravely.
you have been unspeakably lovable."
ut would have been that II loved
you. But I don't. That's why I've
been a beast. To make you think"
Collingeford interrupted her. you
made me think nothing. Somehow
knew. l knew it was just loneliness
running. over from full heart"
Alix nodded. How wonderful of
you to understand" she said. Lone
ly. Yes. I've been terribly lonely.
Never before so lonely"
you shall not be lonely any more"
said Colllngeford. Every day I'll
come and 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 friend?"
Don't mistake what I'm going to
say, will you?" said Alix.
Collingeford shook his head.
"Gerry is coming back" went on
Alix, "but-I don't know what he is
bringing back. Perhaps 1t is some
thing he can't Share with me; perhaps
1t Is something do not want. When
you went away I had only faith; now
have only doubt. Such big doubt.
That's why said to you. 4 don't
know And while 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 understand"
Collingeford's eyes were glowing.
"Yes." he said, II think I do. You
mean that perhaps-later on-you will
send for me-"
"Perhaps-only perhaps" whispered
Alix.
Collingeford picked up his hat and
stick. He took Alix' hand and held 1t
long. She would not look mp. He
stopped and kissed her fingers.
II shall be waiting" he said.