"She's _home_--and they're _together_!" Unconsciously, she spoke her
grateful thought aloud.
"Yes, she's _home_--and they're _together_!"
The words were repeated very quietly, but there was that in the
well-known voice, so close at hand, that seemed to Claire to shake the
world. In an instant she was upon her feet, gazing up speechless, into
Francis Ronald's baffling eyes.
"You are kind to every one," he said, "but for me you have only a sting,
and yet--I love you."
* * * * *
Martha was still busy wrestling with the pyramid of dishes left over
from the feast, when at last Claire came in alone.
"Did you get a chance to compose yourself, an' quiet down some under the
stars?" inquired Mrs. Slawson. "It's been a noisy day, with lots doin'.
I don't wonder you're so tired--your cheeks is fairly blazin' with it,
an' your eyes are shinin' like lit lamps."
"You knew--you knew he was here!" said Claire accusingly.
"_He?_ Who? O, you mean Mr. Ronald? Didn't I think to tell you, he come
up along with Mr.
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