Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/240

 Susie promised to return at once with her answer.

She knocked at the door of the old Graham house with a strange conflict raging in her own breast. She hoped to succeed for the sake of the aching heart of the man she had left, and yet mingled with the fear of failure was the half-mad wish that Stella might reject his plea.

Aunt Julie Ann's face was troubled as she greeted Susie.

"Tell Miss Stella, that I'm very sorry to learn of her illness and I trust she can see me a moment."

"Yassum, I tell her—but I'se feard she ain't well enough."

Aunt Julie Ann returned immediately, smiling.

"She say come right up to her room, Miss Susie."

Susie was shocked to note the change in the beautiful young face lying still and pale against the white pillow.

"I'm sorry to find you so ill!"

"Yes, I suppose I have nerves," she said, smiling wanly. "I didn't know it before. I think some of them must have snapped—but I'm better now. I'll get up this afternoon."

"I've something that will help you, if you will take it."

Stella's brow clouded, and her eyes, wide and cold, assumed a sinister half-mad expression.