deathly pallor overspread his face, and a look of anguish as if an arrow
had pierced his heart. She felt as if the arrow had gone on into her own
heart, and then she sat and waited. It seemed hours before he glanced up,
with an old, weary look in his eyes. The message read:

"Your mother seriously ill. Wants you immediately. Will send your baggage
on morning train. Have wired you are coming."

It was signed by his cousin with whom he had been taking his
hunting-trip, and who was bound by business to go further West within a
few days more.

The strong young man was almost bowed under this sudden stroke. His mother
was very dear to him. He had left her well and happy. He must go to her at
once, of course; but what should he do with the girl who had within the
last two days taken so strong a hold upon his--he hesitated, and called it
"protection." That word would do in the present emergency.

Then he looked, and saw her own face pale under the tan, and stepped out
to the platform to tell her.




CHAPTER VIII

THE PARTING


She took the news like a Spartan. Her gentle pity was simply expressed,