comfortable. I'd be happier without Bella, Pete, you know."

"Would you, Sylvie? Well, Bella and I will have to go away together
somewhere, I guess."

"I didn't say you, dear. I love you a lot--next best to Hugh. There's
something awfully sweet about you--you great strong overgrown thing!
Your heart goes _thump-thump-thump-thump_, as though it was as big
as the sun. . . . I feel much better and happier now. Things have
got steady again. Only--I wish Hugh would come back."

Pete gave a strangled sigh.

"He'll be back" And he began to draw himself away from her. "I think
I hear him now, Sylvie."

"Stay where you are," she laughed. "Don't be ashamed of being found
with a sister leaning against you and holding your hand. Are you
afraid of Hugh? I think sometimes he's rather hard with you--I'll
have to speak to him about that. Oh"--in a sudden ecstasy--"how happy
I am! I feel as light as the air. I want every one to be happy. Tell
me when Hugh comes in how happy he looks, Pete--promise me, quick!
There he is at the door now."

"Yes," he whispered, "I promise. Let me go, please, Sylvie."

He pulled himself away and stood up. At the instant, the door was
opened and shut quickly, stealthily. It was Hugh, breathing hard,
gray with fear.