Part 4 (2/2)

”Merry Christmas, Jimmy!”

”What _wonderful_ roses! Thanks a thousand times!”

”But of course I knew! No other h to have a woht o'clock by a bunch of flowers!”

”Forgive you!” (It was clear that she did)

”Jio!”

”You weren't going! You mean to say that you had refused?”

”I don't understand--it's the connection--West?”

”Why, ranches look after theht on You don't _mean_ it, on Christmas day!”

”I shouldn't care for your reasons They're sure to be ridiculous--unpractical--unnecessary--don't tell them to me”

There was a pause, and then the voice, which had undergone a slight change said:

”Jack's ill againthat's why I couldn't go to Tuxedo I shall pass the day here in town I called up to tell you this--and to suggest--but since you're going West”

Falconer's illnesses! Hoell Bulstrode knew them, and hoell he could see her alone in the fa-room by a hearth not built for a Christ, ”I'll stand by you” It was a kind of vow--a real vow, and the poor tramp had lived up to his

”Jimmy” There was a note he had never heard before; if a tone can be a tear, it was one

He interrupted her

”How dear of you!”

”But I haven't any Christmas tree!”