Page:Conflict (1927).pdf/307



night Felix came home earlier than usual. Sheilah was in the kitchen, preparing the evening meal. She heard his key in the door, and a moment later, glancing into the dining-room, saw him sitting on the end of the couch, all crumpled up.

'Why, what is the matter, Felix?' she exclaimed, going up to him close.

'Send the children out.'

'Run out, children,' quickly Sheilah responded, and then, bending over Felix, 'What is it?'

Had he somehow at last discovered her love for Roger? But how? When? PerhapsOh, how unkind, how cruel of fate to have hurt him like this just when she was trying so hard to save him.

Then, 'I've lost my job,' he announced. 'They're cutting down help at the office. I'm through. I'm out.'

'Is that all!' Sheilah exclaimed, and she sat down on the end of the couch beside him and put her hand upon his knee. 'I was afraid'

'What were you afraid?' Had she suspected what Mr. Fairchild now knew for a fact? He searched her eyes. 'What were you afraid?'