ate his ring. A vague
foreboding drove the blood from her lips as she stood waiting at
the open hall-door. Seeing the streaming light, the boy managed to
accelerate his snail's pace.

"Miss Ruth Levice live here?" he asked, stopping in the doorway.

"Yes." She took the packet he handed her. "Any charges or answers?" she
asked.

"Nom," answered the boy; and noticing her pallor and apprehension, "I'll
shet the door for you," he added, laying his hand on the knob.

"Thank you. Here, take two cars if necessary; it is too wet to walk."
She handed him a quarter, and the boy went off, gayly whistling.

She closed the heavy door softly and sat down on a chair. She recognized
Louis's handwriting on the wrapper, and her heart fluttered ominously.
She tore off the damp covering, and the first thing she encountered was
another wrapper on which was written in large characters:--

DEAR RUTH,--Do not be alarmed; everything is all right. I had to leave
town on the overland at 6 P.M. Read the letter first, then the telegram;
they will explain.

LOUIS

The kindly feeling that had prompted this warning was appreciated; one
fear was stilled. She drew out the letter; she saw in perplexity that it
was from her father. She hurriedly opened it and read:

NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 188--.

DEAR LOUIS,--I am writing this from my bed, where I have been confined
for the last week with pneumonia, although I managed to write a daily
postal. Have been quite ill, but am on the mend and only anxious to
start home again. I really cannot rest here, and have made arrangements
to leave to-morrow. Have taken every precaution against catching cold,
and apart from feeling a trifle weak and annoyed by a cough, am all
right. Shall come home directly. Say nothing of this to Esther or Ruth;
shall apprise them by telegram of my home-coming. Had almost completed
the business, and can leave the rest to Hamilton.

My love to you all.

Your loving Uncle,

JULES LEVICE.

Under this Louis had pencilled,

Received this this morning at 10.30.

Ruth closed her eyes as she unfolded the telegram; then with every nerve
quivering she read the yellow missive:--

RENO, Jan. 27, 188--.

LOUIS ARNOLD, San Francisco, Cal.:

Have been delayed by my cough. Feeling too weak to travel alone. Come if
you can.

JULES LEVICE.

Her limbs shook as she sat; her teeth chattered; for one minute she
turned sick and faint. Under the telegram Arnold had written:--

Am sur