and her cheeks were brilliant with color. He had never seen her
look more beautiful.

"Why, Helen!" he exclaimed, "how good of you to come. Is there
anything wrong? Is anything the matter?"

She tried to speak, but faltered, and smiled at him appealingly.

"What is it?" he asked in great concern.

Helen drew in her breath quickly, and at the same moment motioned
him away--and he stepped back and stood watching her in much
perplexity.

With her eyes fixed on his she raised her hands to her head,
and her fingers fumbled with the knot of her veil. She pulled it
loose, and then, with a sudden courage, lifted her hat proudly,
as though it were a coronet, and placed it between them on his
table.

"Philip," she stammered, with the tears in her voice and eyes,
"if you will let me--I have come to stay."

The table was no longer between them. He caught her in his arms
and kissed her face and her uncovered head again and again. From
outside the rain beat drearily and the fog rolled through the
street, but inside before the fire the two young people sat close
together, asking eager questions or sitting in silence, staring
at the flames with wondering, happy eyes.