Page:Stella Dallas, a novel (IA stelladallasnove00prou).pdf/293

Rh so I've given up trying, and gone ahead and done what I think is right.

Ed and I will be back and close up the apartment, sometime before we sail. I guess we all three can fit in somehow. I expect you to be nice to him though, now he's your sort of father.

When you're out, leave the key under the mat, same as usual. Ed and I may be back anytime.

Love from

Your

P.S. It was too bad you wouldn't turn round this morning and wave good-bye.

and Helen, returning late from town the next evening to their summer home on Long Island (they had just moved down), were surprised upon entering the hall to hear a sound in the living-room—a chair suddenly shoved back, soft swift foot-steps. They stepped to the door of the room.

It was Laurel! She still wore her hat. Her suitcase still stood by the chair where she had been sitting.

"Why, Laurel! Why, my dear!" exclaimed Stephen, exclaimed Helen, both hastening toward her.

They met her in the middle of the room. They kissed her—both of them. She returned neither caress.

"What is it, Laurel?"

She was very white. Her eyes had a startled, frightened expression.

"I've come back," she said quietly. "I'll stay now, if you want me—if you'll take me." She made no gesture, her expression did not change. There was fixed calmness about her as hard as adamant.