Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/302

 "I do feel kindly toward you, Eddie."

As they passed through the little gate in the wall, Edward's eyes took in the old motto, printed upon it in iron letters:

"They say. What say they? Let them say."

And for some reason or other a great lump rose in his throat. Until that moment he had not believed that any creature so filled with life as Alice could die. He had the premonition that she was not going to live.

And it seemed to him that he had never really loved Anne, but only Alice, and Alice always. It seemed to him that he could not bear to have her die.

How should he look when he entered the sickroom? What should he say? The poor boy was so eager to do just the right thing—that he did it. At the sight of her all thought of self left him, and he advanced quickly to the bed with his face filled with concern and affection. Mr. Ruggles was the first to speak.

"I've brought Eddie, Alice," he said, His voice was quite steady, and he added, "You'll probably want to have a little visit together—such old friends."

He took his wife by the arm and led her out of the room.

"Feeling a little better?" asked Edward.