Part 61 (1/2)

”Yes, indeed, poor chap. And n.o.bly he has done,” and Shock told of The Don and of his work in the Pa.s.s.

”How good you have been,” exclaimed Helen, ”and how much you have done.

I am so thankful, and so proud. We are all so proud of you.”

”No,” said Shock gravely, ”that is not the word, Miss Fairbanks. There is no room for pride.”

”Well, we think so,” replied Helen. ”You will come to see us? Mother will be so glad.”

Helen was wondering at her own calmness. She could hardly make herself believe that she was talking to Shock, and so quietly, in this room where so short a time ago he had held her in his arms.

”I do not know,” replied Shock. ”It may be as well not to--not to see much--to see you.”

Shock became unexpectedly conscious of their previous relations. The memory of that scene in which they had been the chief actors came vividly, before him. For weeks he had dreaded this interview, and now it was almost over. He felt like a man who, in the hour of victory, is unexpectedly threatened with defeat. Well, sooner or later he must speak his mind plainly; there would never be a better chance than now, and though he wished he could get back that perfect self-mastery of the past few minutes, he resolved to go through with it now. He took hold of himself with a stern grip.

Helen saw it in his face. A great fear seized her; She started up.

”Oh, I must run!” she exclaimed. ”You will be sure to come and see us, Mr. Macgregor. Indeed, you must come.”

Her manner was light, almost frivolous. Shock felt the change instinctively, read her fear, and decided that the moment for speech had pa.s.sed.

”Good-by,” he said, looking steadily into her eyes. ”Good-by. G.o.d bless you for your kindness to--to us both.”

The little catch in his voice reached the girl's heart, and the tears sprang to her eyes.

”Good-by,” she said hurriedly. ”Good-by,” and was gone.

A little way down the street she met Brown.

”Well?”

”Well, it is all over. I am thankful, too. Yes, so thankful.”

”Well, I'll be--” Brown left his sentence unfinished and turned away from her impatiently.

He found Shock still sitting at the table, unspeakable misery showing in his eyes.

”Well, old chap,” Brown said kindly, putting his hand upon his friend's shoulder.

”That is over, thank G.o.d!” said Shock. ”I was afraid of it, but it is over now.”

”It is, eh?” said Brown crossly. ”Well, let's go. You're two of a kind.

Come on. You'll have to get at your speech now.”

”My speech?” said Shock, rising wearily. ”No speech for me.”

”I tell you what, Shock,” said Brown, with a touch of impatience, ”you think too much of yourself.”

”Do I, Brown? Well, perhaps so,” said Shock, humbly.

”Oh, confound your old carca.s.s!” cried Brown, throwing his arm round Shock's neck. ”You'll be my death yet. At the same time, you ought to speak, and I believe you will. If I know your conscience it won't let you rest.”