then gazed at each
other. Now one set below the horizon like a wan, white moon, and the
other rose above it like the glowing star of love. Now the moon passed
over the glowing star in a long eclipse and then disappearing behind a
cloud left the brilliant star to shine alone.

When he awoke the gray dawn revealed in vague outline the realities of
the world, and warned him that he had but a few moments to execute his
plans. He sprang from his couch strong in his purpose to depart, for the
fever of adventure was still burning in his veins, and the rapturous
looks with which Pepeeta had received his promise to be her companion
still made his pulses bound. He hurriedly put a few things into a bundle
and stole out of the house.

As he moved quietly but swiftly away from the familiar scenes, his heart
which had been beating so high from hope and excitement began to sink in
his bosom. He had never dreamed of the force of his attachment to this
dear place, and he turned his face toward the old gray house again and
again. Every step away from it seemed more difficult than the last, and
his feet became heavy as lead. But he pressed on, ashamed to
acknowledge his inability to execute his purpose. He came to the last
fence which lay between him and the bridge where he had agreed to await
the adventurers, and then paused.

He was early. There was still time to reflect. Had the carriage arrived
at that moment he would have gone; but it tarried, and the tide of love
and regret bore him back to the old familiar life. "I cannot go. I
cannot give it up," he murmured to himself.

Torn by conflicting emotions, inclining to first one course and then
another, he finally turned his face away from the bridge and fled,
impelled by weakness rather than desire. He did not once look back, but
ran at the top of his speed straight to the old barn and hid himself
from sight. There, breathless and miserable, he watched. He had not long
to wait. The dazzling "turn-out" dashed into view. On the high seat he
beheld Pepeeta, saw the eager glance she cast at the farm house,
followed her until they arrived at the bridge, beheld her
disappointment, raved at his own weakness, rushed to the door, halted,
returned, rushed back again, returned, threw himself upon the sweet
smelling hay, cursed his weakness and indecision and finally surrendered
himself to misery.

From the utter wretchedness of that bitter hour, he was roused by the
ringing of the breakfas