en. To-night I
came here to say that I love you from my soul, and near you or away
from you, alive or dead, will go on loving you and wanting you. Had
you been poor I would have fought like any man to make you care; as it
is I knocked your brother down for saying I was trying to do it
because you are rich, to further my political ambition. I knocked him
down for that, and for some other, older reasons. There is nothing
more to say; no, in the divine bigness of your nature don't think you
have to speak. I cannot come here any more, even if you would permit
me, after what has happened, and I can't expect you to go to-night of
course. But if ever I can serve you I am yours, soul and body, and
will be while there is life in me. That's all at last. What," as he
turned, "crying, Miss Alexina? For me? Or for him? I assure you there
was little hurt but his arrogance. Dare I ask you to shake hands?"

And he was gone in his abruptly quick fashion and the latch of the
outer door was heard clicking behind him.

It aroused Harriet and she came to herself. She was trembling, but on
her face was a look of one who has entered Heaven. Then it seemed to
come to her that he was gone.

"I must--oh, stop him, Alexina. He must know--"

The girl ran into the hall, but the outer door was heavy, and in her
haste she was awkward getting it open. As it gave finally the rush of
wind drove her inward. The steady rainfall of the day, freezing as it
touched the ground, had changed to finely driven sleet. The steps
glared with ice. But already the Major was at the gate, and through
the dusk she could see his umbrella lowered against the wind as he
turned and started up the street. She called after him impulsively,
beseechingly, but realized the futility of it through the fierce rush
of wind and sleet. John was just driving out the carriage-way from the
stable. Indeterminate, she closed the door and turned back to the
parlour.

Harriet had sunk upon a chair, and in her eyes, looking far off, was a
light, a smile, or was it tears?

She sprang up and turned, her face one heavenly blush, as Alexina
entered. Had she thought it would be he?

"Gone? Oh, Alexina, I must--I have to tell him. Ring the bell. John
must go for him. After what has happened I cannot stand it that the
knowledge should all be mine."

But she was already pulling the bell-cord herself, then turned to
Alexina blushing and radiant.

"I am thirty-eight years old, Alexina; I am