Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/242

 Northerner declaring his love in simple, honest fashion. She couldn't believe her eyes at first, but a second look convinced her of its reality. What puzzled her still more was to observe beside this letter a sheet of paper on which was drawn the diagram of the hall with the minute accuracy of an architect's plan, with Ackerman's notes interlining it.

"What shall I say?" she stammered in confusion.

Stella looked at her with a momentary start, smiled and answered:

"Tell Mr. Graham I have received and read his letter. I'll think it over this evening and reply to-morrow."

"Then I'll go," said Susie, taking her hand. "I'm so glad I saw you."

As she turned through the door her eye again was drawn irresistibly to Ackerman's letter. She returned to John Graham's office stunned by this puzzling discovery.

John was bitterly disappointed in the message she brought. Her long stay had raised in him the highest hope. His own surrender had been so complete and generous, that he could not conceive it possible that she would debate in cold blood for twenty-four hours the question of her answer. It seemed heartless and utterly cruel. He rebelled