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The Short Line War by Merwin-Webster
page 74 of 246 (30%)
be mistress of the situation, but at any rate he had told her nothing
about M. & T. affairs. There came into his mind a suspicion that she knew
more than she had led him to believe, for she would naturally not let a
man who had no claim upon her sway her loyalty to her father. And yet,
those eyes were honest. They had looked into his with an expression that
would charm away graver doubts than his. "I'll make her tell me," he
thought. "I'll find out to-morrow just what she means, and if--" In spite
of himself, Harvey's heart beat fast at thought of the possibilities which
lay behind that "if." From doubt, he drifted back into a review of the
evening. He called up pictures of her on the brake, on the boat, or on the
shaded path. When he reached the hotel he sat down on the veranda and
lighted a cigar. "Yes," he repeated to himself, "I'll make her tell me."
But in the morning, after a more or less steady sleep, Harvey looked out
at the calm sunlight and changed his mind. "I'll wait," he thought, "and
see what happens."

At ten, the Porter trap stood in front of the hotel, and Harvey climbed
into the trap and took the reins. As he started, a telegraph boy ran down
the steps calling to him. Harvey took the yellow envelope and with a
thought of Jim's errand he thrust it between his teeth, for the horses
were prancing. Later he stuffed it into his pocket until he should reach
the Porters'. The drive was exhilarating, and by the time he pulled up in
the porte-cochere he had himself well in control. She did not keep him
waiting, and they were soon whirling down the old river road.

Katherine was in a bright mood. For a space they talked commonplaces.
Harvey thought of the telegram, but dared not take his attention from the
horses until they should run off a little spirit, so he let them go.

"Isn't it splendid," she said, drawing in the brisk air and looking at the
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