f
it ever stirred from its intense stillness, must be reckoned with
in years to come.

She made no effort to comprehend what this thing might be--if, indeed,
it really existed--no pains to analyse it or to meditate over the
vague indications of its presence.

She seemed merely to be aware of something indefinable concealed in
the uttermost depths of her.

It was Doubt, unborn.

* * * * *

The taxi drew up before her house. Rain was falling heavily, as she
ran up the steps--a cold rain through which a few wet snowflakes
slanted.

Her maid heard the rattle of her night-key and came to relieve her of
her wet things, and to say that Miss Westgard had telephoned and had
left a number to be called as soon as Miss Dumont returned.

The slip of paper bore John Estridge's telephone number and Palla
seated herself at her desk and called it.

Almost immediately she heard Ilse's voice on the wire.

"What is the matter, dear?" inquired Palla with the slightest shiver
of that premonition which had haunted her all day.

But Ilse's voice was cheerful: "We were so sorry not to go with you
this evening, darling, but Jack is feeling so queer that he's turned
in and I've sent for a physician."

"Shall I come around?" asked Palla.

"Oh, no," replied Ilse calmly, "but I've an idea Jack may need a
nurse--perhaps two."

"What is it?" faltered Palla.

"I don't know. But he is running a high temperature and he says that
it feels as though something were wrong with his appendix.

"You see Jack is almost a physician himself, so if it really is acute
appendicitis we must know as soon as possible."

"Is there _anything_ I could do?" pleaded Palla. "Darling, I do so
want to be of use if----"

"I'll let you know, dear. There isn't anything so far."

"Are you going to stay there to-night?"

"Of course," replied Ilse calmly. "Tell me, Palla, how did the
soap-box arguments go?"

"Not very well. I was heckled. I'm such a wretched public speaker,
Ilse;--I can never remember what rejoinders to make until it's too
late."

She did not mention her encounter with the unknown man; Ilse had
enough to occupy her.

They chatted a few moments longer, then Ilse promised to call her if
necessary, and said good-night.

A little after midnight Palla's telephone rang beside her bed and she
started upright with a pang of fear and groped for the instrument.

"Jack is seriously ill," came the level