That must
give you strength," she said softly.
"It does indeed," I replied. I was thinking of Doddridge Knapp's life.
"But here come Luella and Mrs. Bowser," said Mrs. Knapp. "I see I shall
lose your company."
My heart gave a great bound, and I turned to see the queenly grace of
Luella Knapp as she entered the room in the train of Mrs. Bowser.
Vows of justice and vengeance, visions of danger and death, faded away
as I looked once more on the mobile, expressive face of the girl who
had claimed so great a share of my waking thoughts and filled my dreams
from the first moment her spirit had flashed on mine. I rose and my
eyes followed her eagerly as I stood by the curtain of the alcove,
oblivious of all else in the room.
Was it fancy, or had she grown paler and thinner since I had last seen
her? Surely those dark hollows under her eyes that told of worry and
lost sleep were not there when her brightness had chained my
admiration. I could guess that she was grieving for Henry, and a
jealous pang shot through my heart. She gave no glance in my direction
as she walked into the room and looked about her. I dreaded her eye as
I hungered for a look.
"Luella!" called Mrs. Knapp. I fancied she gave a low, musical laugh as
she spoke, yet a glance showed me that her face was calm and serious.
"Luella, here is some one you will like to see."
Luella Knapp turned and advanced. What was the look that lighted up her
face and sparkled from her eyes? Before I could analyze the magnetic
thrill that came from it, it was gone.
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