Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-08-22

10 the OF Altne, who ex-
pected him to be upon his back, Alec
was sitting up in a deep armchair Of
faded chtntz, his bandaged head rest
ing against the back, his long hands
along the arms, Aline was reminded
lace bore a far more visible mark Of
suffering. He turned his eyes to
Altne and held out his hand.
"How r you, Alec?" were the
only words hat came to her. She
was answered. by his characteristic
grin.
"All here" said he. rather more
terkily than usual. more than all
here. as my-head. I'm sure, is twice
its natural size. FeeH that way.
Won't you SIT down."
away the full, length Of the room and
whtstled softly near q window. Alec
looked wretchedly embarrassed.
There were lines about his mouth, and
his narrow eyes avoided his visitor.
Ahne had perforce to talk. She told
him all the news Of Breeme House
that could possibly be wrung from
Its last u~neventful, anxious week,
She reported the foolish, quaint say
ings of vi and Humphrey. She spoke
OF the copyist, and how he had an
AVNASS0 ~ VSpdAk0k0 SOAAVAAVW 4Vk
o few days with the copy and his re-
turn for some finishing touches.
%What copyist7" asked Alec.
aMr. Cardoni. you know"
"Cardoni! Cardoni! oh, yes; the
fellow Claire spoke to me about
Hasn't he finished YETI"
well, Alec, he's been remarkably
quick"
They stuck to Cardoni and his work
til suddenly, in the midst OF q speech,
Alec stopped short. Aline looked
around In surprise to see that Sir
Godfrey had lett the room.
She stood up.
.oh. why did he go eut?" she said
because he knows I must see you
alone. Aline, I must"
She saw the fush rise In hh face
and: anxious for him. yielded.
Yes. Alec, I'll stay"
That's good"
The. hand, uncertain al It was. still
held itself but to her. and Aline took
II. standing beside him and trying ID
check h swift, Warm current OF de-
light that leapt from his fingers to
hers
The man You are going to marry,e
said Alec, looking up at her from nm
der his bandage with eyes mysteri-
ouaty changed in expression, Els q
splendid fellow. AIne. LonE before
your wedding day he IL going to be
the one man in the world for you.
Please don't be angry with me, dear"
Somehow" Alins murmured,
Tn not. 7 wish I could be-"
YOU know its what's behind speeches
that gives EN- sting, and. there's moth
ing behind mine today that could
hurt q mouse Please stand where-I
can look at you. Aline. Can't turn
my COMPOUNDED head"
Silently she changed her position.
"A smashed head doesn't usually
make q fellow think, does It? I
fancy I'm different from most people.
Ny head needed q good crack Is clear
Il. It aches like thunder. hut It's as
clear a. glass 7 Say. Aaine, you
my wtfe?"
Her hand jerked In his. but he kept
4, passing his own free one across
Cant remember Just how / put it,
but I did tell her / wanted her to be
the lady of Breme House. She
didn't give me any answer because
now, Jet me thtnk-" He frowned.
"Oh. yes. fremont and Jane galloped
BY us and gave us such a start that
We couldn't decently get round to- this
topic again"
why do You tell me4s Aline asked,
an the ironical patience Of her eyes
bent upon him.
well, you don't keep secrets from
me, do you?" She WINGED a, little,
10 that he felt Il In her fingers.
He wa silent. Aline, staring at
him In suspense, could make nothing