okcase and glancing over the titles of
those belonging to the family, opened an occasional one and read aloud a
verse or a paragraph or two. He read with zest and enthusiasm. He was
fresh from the world of lectures and theatres, and the social life of the
city, and became a rejuvenating leaven for this entire household.

* * * * *

Luther was on Elizabeth's mind when she awakened the next morning, and as
soon as the breakfast work was finished and she had time to get the house
in order, she decided to move from her new standpoint and go to see him.
To this end she asked Mrs. Hunter to keep Jack while she was gone, and to
the older woman's objections that she should let the men hitch up the sled
and drive her over she answered firmly:

"I don't want a word said about it. I will go whenever I please without
arguing it with anybody."

In her secret soul she was glad to get past the barn without John seeing
her. She would not have permitted him to stop her, or delay her visit, but
a discussion with her husband was apt to hold surprises and she to become
confused and angry, and worsted in the _manner_ of her insistence. To get
away without having to explain put her in good spirits.

The sun shone brightly and the air, though snappy and cold, was brisk and
fresh. It was the first free walk of a mile Elizabeth had ever taken since
her marriage. Elizabeth was herself again. She skirted around the long
drifts as she crossed the field humming a snatch of tune with all her
blood atingle with the delight of being alone in the vast silent fields.
The mere passing of time since Aunt Susan's death had gradually worked a
change in her condition, which Luther's presence and the stimulating
quality of his words, John's absence, the intoxication of the wild and
unfettered storm, the visit to Nathan Hornby's, and the invigorating
personality of Hugh Noland had combined to rejuvenate in the crushed and
beaten girl. Life held meanings to which she had long been blind.
Elizabeth set about the reorganizing of her life with no bitterness toward
John, only glad to have found herself, with duty to herself as well as
others still possible.

Sadie Hansen met Elizabeth at the door with such evident uneasiness that
Elizabeth was moved to ask:

"Luther's all right, Sadie?"

"Yes-s-s!" Sadie replied slowly, and with such reluctance that Elizabeth
was puzzled.

Sadie took her to the bedroom and shut t