And she was in such a hurry to reach the city
after the child's father had called her on the telephone that she
really did not have the time to stop and explain. He would understand
that, too, wouldn't he? And she thought perhaps she would stay over
another night. She couldn't leave Marjorie,--at least, not until
something definite was known.
He was vastly relieved. All his worry for nothing! He wished now
that he had remained in his room instead of going out a second time
last night to tramp about the dark, lonely village, driven forth
by an ugly fit of temper.
"But Mrs. Strong didn't say anything about the accident," he said
over the wire. "She simply said you were in town for the night."
"I can't understand that," replied Alix. "She knew why I came up to
town, and I telephoned her during the afternoon that I would stay
overnight.
"She might have told me," he complained. "It would have relieved
my mind enormously. I--I was horribly unhappy. Never closed my
eyes. I thought you,--that is, I wondered if I had done anything to
offend you. My Lord, you'll never know how happy I am this minute.
My heart is singing--And to think it was like a lump of lead all
last night. Do try to come out this evening."
She did not answer at once, but he could plainly hear her breathing.
Then she said softly:
"If--if the child is better. I can't leave Marjorie until--until--"
"I understand," he cried heartily.
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