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Show '34 ... ~dreat J)ollibl' GlHl llose antl Stiller though she were drowning and the proverbial straw had floated into reach. She took her time about dressing, but Madame said nothing. She simply stood there, waiting, in the open door, until the last knot was tied, the last pin adjusted, and the last stray lock brushed into place. Isabel limped ostentatiously all the way down-stairs and had to be assisted into the carriage. During the brief drive ?either spoke. The silence was unbroken unt1l they reached the door of Allison's room, then Madame said, in a low tone: "The carriage will call for you in an hour. Remember he loves you, and be kind." Up to that moment, Isabel had not suspected that she would be obliged to see him alone. She was furious with Aunt Francesca for thus betraying her, but no retreat was possible. The nurse smilingly ushered her in, passed her almost on the threshold, and went out, quietly closing the door. Allison, as eager as a boy of twenty, had half risen in bed. The injured hand was hidden by the sheet, but the other was outstretched in welcome. "Isabel," he breathed. "My Isabell" Isabel did not move. "How do you do?" she said, primly. "I 'm sorry I can't get you a chair, dear. Come close, won't you I " bow 11 sabei <tame Isabel limped painfully to the chair that was farthest from him, dragged it over to the bed, and sat down-just out of his reach. Below, the rumble of wheels announced that Madame had gone back home. Unless she walked, Isabel was stranded at Kent's for a full hour. "My note," Allison was saying. " You got it, did n't you I" "Yes. It came while I was at luncheon to-day." It flashed upon him for an instant that the reality was disappointing, that this was not all as he had dreamed it would be, but pride bade him conceal his disappointment as best he could. "You were hurt," he said, tenderly. "I 'm so sorry." "Yes. I was hurt quite a good deal." "But you 're all right now, and I'm so glad!" "Thank you," she answered, listlessly. Her eyes roved about the room, observing every detail of furniture and ornament. It was old-fashioned, and in a way queer, she thought. She was glad that she would never have to live there. Allison watched her eagerly. Like a wayfarer in the desert thirsting for water, he longed for her tenderness; for one unsought kiss, even in farewell. His pride sustained him no 235 ........ polntlnt |
