The Monticellonian., 1918-02-01
JANET'S IMPULSE
By M,LrRED WHITE.

rented apartments. She sighed, looking out on the heavy snowstorm which turned the early afternoon to dusk. How different, how woefully different her life had become in one short year. Then, there had been the cozy home, with father, now, she was alone.
 It was always at this time of the New Year that the chosen few had made a jolly house party in Lucretia i Newell's stately home among the coun- l try hills. Lucretia had been a college l sister and her intimates thereafter were remembered with the annual in- 1 vftation. What anticipated times of l delightful excitement those visits had i beeni Lucretia's elder bachelor broth CT was tireless entertaining host, and his friend-quiek rebellious tears filled l Janet's eyes, at the memory of John Newell's friend. Like the rest he had 1 forgotten How carelessly they had allowed her to drift away from them, those gay carefree people; and upon her own sea of misfortune Janet had been too busy to recall herself to their selfish minds.
 Johns friends name was often in the papers. Only last week there had been notice of his departure for the South well, why should he remember few days in a hillside country stolen kiss at parting? Janet was glad that the miles stretched between. glad that in the separating gulf their different stations made, he might not know that she still remembered. The others would be there no doubt this wintry afternoon, making merry to- gether in the great house upon the hill. Janet jumped up suddenly, her eyes shining with impulsive purpose. Why not go to them?
 With cheeks aglow the girl drew from the clothes-press her fur cloak, relic of more prosperous times. Be heath it she could wear her little white summer frock, the black woolen must be discarded. Like the old-time Janet she felt, as she hurried down the steep stairs the five-thirty for Hillcrest would be almost due. She reflected, gazing from the blurred car window, that 1t might have been wiser to have telephoned her coming, but taking them by surprise, would after all suit better her present mood.
 It was rather discouraging not to find Old Ben, the driver, watching. His had been the task of meeting all trains. No other vehicle, it was evident. had ventured out into the storm. Vaguely apprehensive of disappointment the girl turned up the warm collar of her cloak, and pushed her way through roadside drifts. Here and there light twinkled; the great house was still some distance away. Almost she was tempted to turn back and seek shelter in the station. but the thought of the great log fireplace in the tower room with its circle of dear familiar faces, gave her fresh courage to press on. The house was not illuminated as though for guests. The light showing through the glass door was softly sub- dued. Janet heard her summoning ring echo into silence, but there was no response. Hopefully she made her way to the rear entrance. Here all was darkness.
 Disheartened she came back, past the side iron spiral stairway. No, there high from the tower room came welcoming gleam. With fast beat ing heart she slowly ascended the icy stair. She would open the door and slip in among them, a weary little ghost from their past. The door was difficult to open, but unlocked as she expected. When had Hillcrest people | thought of locked doors? Then Janet entered the room. As of old, the log fire burned cheerily-nearby stood the same fireside chair, but the comfort able big room was vacant. Perplexed she passed down the halls. Silence met her everywhere. Then because the storm still swept without, because there seemed nothing else to dc, Janet threw aside her fur coat.
 Porter Holden was that same night disgusted with life. This new year seemed to have begun with less prom ise than the other. Last year, at least he had known dreams of happiness, though their fulfillment was never to be. With each baffling step of his re- turn to the old Newell mansion, his thoughts reverted to the bright-faced girl, who had made his last stay there so pleasant. And she had vanished from them all-forever. John Newell had coaxed him back to the vacant old place tonight-he had just left John at the agents. Old Ben. would have lights and fires going, John had said, so Holden made his way up the spiral stair The door yielded more easily this time, and the man stood for q moment blinking his bewildered eyes.
 In the light of the fire sat white clad girlish figure, her red lips parted wonderingly.
 "You?" she breathed.
 'I am not going to speak" Holden said slowly, flor if you are q vision, you will vanish"
 "Not a vision," Janet answered, "a spirit perhaps returned for a night to the scenes of her joyous past
 The man came forward abruptly. q read of your marriage in the papers shortly after you left here," he said. May I give tardy wish for your hap piness?"
 "That was-my cousin, of the same name," Janet explained.
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