'Firebrand' Trevison. Seltzer Charles Alden

and hardest and lonesomest years that any man ever put in. I’m going back some day. But I won’t stay. I’ve lived in this country so long that it’s got into my heart and soul. It’s a golden paradise.”

      She did not share his enthusiasm – her thoughts were selfishly personal, though they included him.

      “And the girl!” she said. “When you go back, would you – ”

      “Never!” he scoffed, vehemently. “That would convince me that I am the dunce my father said I was!”

      The girl turned her head and smiled. And a little later, when they were riding on again, she murmured softly:

      “Ten years of lonesomeness and bitterness to save his pride! I wonder if Hester Keyes knows what she has missed?”

      CHAPTER VII

      TWO LETTERS GO EAST

      After Agatha retired that night Rosalind sat for a long time writing at a little desk in the private car. She was tingling with excitement over a discovery she had made, and was yearning for a confidante. Since it had not been her habit to confide in Agatha, she did the next best thing, which was to indite a letter to her chum, Ruth Gresham. In one place she wrote:

      “Do you remember Hester Keyes’ love affair of ten years ago? You certainly must remember it! If you cannot, permit me to brush the dust of forgetfulness away. You cannot forget the night you met William Kinkaid? Of course you cannot forget that, for when you are Mrs. Kinkaid – But there! I won’t poke fun at you. But I think every married person needs to treasure every shred of romance against inevitable hum-drum days. Isn’t that a sad sentiment? But I want to get ahead with my reminder.”