He wandered listlessly from one thing to
another, and after a few minutes gave her the instrument again.
Without speaking, she rose from her chair and hung the violin upon the
wall.
"You must practise a great deal," she said quietly.
At her movement he, too, rose from his seat; and when she turned to
him again he had his cap in his hand. A flash of surprise shot into
her eyes.
"Are you going so soon, Jan?"
"I am tired," he said in excuse. "It has been two days since I have
slept, Melisse. Good night!"
He smiled at her from the door, but the "Good night" which fell from
her lips was lifeless and unmeaning. Jan shivered when he went out.
Under the cold stars he clenched his hands, knowing that he had come
from the cabin none too soon.
Choking back the grief of this last meeting with Melisse, he crossed
to the company store.
It was late when Cummins returned home. Melisse was still up. He
looked at her sharply over his shoulder as he hung up his coat and
hat.
"Has anything come between you and Jan?" he asked suddenly. "Why have
you been crying?"
"Sometimes the tears come when I am playing the violin, father. I know
of nothing that has come between Jan and me, only I--I don't
understand--"
She stopped, struggling hard to keep back the sobs that were trembling
in her throat.
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