elephone every day to inquire
for him. She never gave her name. But Lane knew it was Mel and the
mere thought of her made him quiver.

By the time Lane was strong enough to leave the hospital an early
winter had set in. The hospital expenses had reduced his finances so
materially that he could not afford the lodgings he had occupied
before his illness. He realized fully that he should leave Middleville
for a dry warm climate, if he wanted to live a while longer. But he
was not greatly concerned about this. There would be time enough to
consider the future after he had fulfilled the one hope and ambition
he had left.

Rooms were at a premium. Lane was forced to apply in the sordid
quarter of Middleville, and the place he eventually found was a small,
bare hall bedroom, in a large, ramshackle old house, of questionable
repute. But beggars could not be choosers. There was no heat in this
room, and Lane decided that what time he spent in it must be in bed.
He would not give any one his address.

Once installed here, Lane waited only a few days to assure himself
that he was strong enough to carry out the plan upon which he had set
his heart.

Late that afternoon he went to the town hall and had a marriage
license made out for himself and Mel Iden. Upon returning, he found
that snow had begun to fall heavily. Already the streets were white.
Suddenly the thought of the nearness of Christmas shocked him. How
time sped by!

That night he dressed himself carefully, wearing the service uniform
he had so well preserved, and sallied forth to the most fashionable
restaurant in Middleville, where in the glare and gayety he had his
dinner. Lane recognized many of the dining, dancing throng, but showed
no sign of it. He became aware that his presence had excited comment.
How remote he seemed to feel himself from that eating, drinking,
dancing crowd! So far removed that even the jazz music no longer
affronted him. Rather surprised he was to find he really enjoyed his
dinner. From the restaurant he engaged a taxi.

The bright lights, the falling snow, the mantle of white on
everything, with their promise of the holiday season, pleased Lane
with the memory of what great fun he used to have at Christmas-time.

When he arrived at Mel's home the snow was falling thickly in heavy
flakes. Through the pall he caught a faint light, which grew brighter
as he plodded toward the cottage. He stamped on the porch and flapped
his arms to remo