bound. One may fancy that a disorder in one might cause
vague unrest in the other. In like manner, Evelina's obsession had
preyed upon Anthony Dexter for twenty-five years. Now, the line was at
work again and there was an unceasing flow of communication.

Perhaps, if he had the strength, he might learn to ignore the phantom
as he had ignored memory. Eventually, he might be able to put aside
the eternal presence as he had put aside his own cowardice. There was
indefinite comfort in the thought.

Having preached the gospel of work for so long, he began to apply it to
himself. Work was undoubtedly what he needed--the one thing which
could set him right again. After a little, he could make the rounds
with Ralph, and dwell constantly in the boy's sunny presence. In the
meantime, there was his paper, for the completion of which one more
experiment was absolutely essential.

He stirred uneasily in his chair. He wished that Ralph had not been so
womanish, or else that he had more diplomatically concealed his own
opinions, to which, indeed, Ralph had admitted his right. Condemnation
from Ralph was the one thing he could not bear, but, after all, was it
needful that Ralph should know?

The experiment would not take long, as he wished to satisfy himself on
but one minor point. It could be done, easily, while Ralph was out
upon his daily round. Behind the lilac bushes there was yet room for
one more tiny grave.

One more experiment, and then, in deference to Ralph's foolish,
effeminate sentiments, he would give it up. One more heart in action,
the conclusion of his brilliant paper, and then--why, he would be
willing to devote the rest of his life, in company with Ralph, to
curing whooping-cough, measles, and mumps.

The veiled figure still paced restlessly back and forth, now on the
turf and now on the brick walk. He closed his eyes, but he still saw
Evelina and noted the slight difference of sound in her footfalls as
she crossed the walk. He heard the swish of her skirts as she lifted
them when she passed the pool of water--was it possible that his
hearing was becoming more keen? He was sure that he had not heard it
from that distance before.

It was certainly an inviting yard and the gate stood temptingly ajar.
The gravelled highway was rough for a little dog's feet, and Laddie and
the Piper had travelled far. For many a mile, there had been no water,
and in this cool, green yard, there was a small pool