Page:The Star in the Window.pdf/245

Rh half-past four, in her corn-colored linen dress, concealed beneath the soft yellow motor-coat, the seed of hope contained in Louise's last words had grown into a conviction.

She was almost glad of the difficult task before her. She had not been really happy since that evening by the ocean, but after to-night there would be no more uncertainty, no more duplicity or secrets on either side. For Reba had slipped the broad gold wedding ring which Nathan had given her into her shopping-bag. It was her plan to show it to Chadwick Booth, after she had gently unearthed the facts of his unhappy alliance, thereby softening his discomfort (for she well knew he would deplore the pain the knowledge of his marriage would be expected to cause her). She would tell him that the mistake he had once made, she had made also, that they shared the same misfortune. It might draw them closer in sympathy; and if, as with a deep sigh it occurred to Reba possible, the realization of their love had to be sacrificed on some high altar of duty—postponed—it would be sweet comfort to her, a shining beacon, to know that they were suffering together, just as they had been happy together.

In this exalted mood Reba set forth upon her mission.