ow what I was doing."

This come with such depth of feeling that he knew he would no longer
be able to bring her news of Philip Haig.

"Then I'm glad," he said simply.

Presently she told him her story; but much was omitted, especially the
keenest of her sufferings, since remorse still haunted Smythe's solemn
eyes.

"And what have you been doing?" she asked.

"Trying to read and study, but it's been no use."

"And you've lost a year in your career!"

"That's nothing. I can make it up, if you've forgiven me." She gave
him her hand again.

"There's nothing to forgive!" she answered warmly. "You've been a good
friend to me. I owe you--more than you know--more than I can tell
you--now!"

On that she rose hurriedly, and went to her room for--a handkerchief.
It was quite ten minutes before she returned to finish their talk, and
to tell him that he must come to see her often through the long months
of winter that remained.

CHAPTER XXX

THE LAMP RELIGHTED

Marion, at the window, was the first to see him; and what she saw
caused her to clutch at her throat to stifle a cry. He was not on
horseback, though the roads were quite passable, but in a sleigh; and
there was a jingle of sleigh bells on the frosty air. He had come with
the sorrels--for her--at last!

She opened the door for him, giving him her hand--was it possible?--a
little shyly. Huntington, at Haig's entrance, rose from his chair
before the fire; and Claire too, clinging to the chimney, scarce able
to believe that there would not be such another scene as that of one
evening long ago.

Silence, a little awkward for all of them, followed Marion's greeting,
while the two men stood looking at each other. Then Haig walked direct
to Huntington, frankly smiling.

"How are you, Huntington? And Mrs. Huntington?" he was saying
quietly.

"All well," replied Huntington, rather stiffly, meaning to be very
reserved in this business.

Claire inclined her head without speaking. Her blue eyes were round,
her lips parted, and something of the old terror showed in her face,
though she knew very well why Haig was there.

"Thursby has told you?" asked Haig.

"Yes," was Huntingdon's answer, still putting everything up to his
enemy.

"Well then, Huntington, since you'll deal with Thursby now, I thought
we might as well ask each other a few questions, and give straight
answers."

"I'm ready," said Huntington gruffly.

"Thank you. First, did you drive