"It seems as if I can't be man enough to put this thought aside and give up this afternoon,"said Philip.
"I am ashamed of myself,but I can't help it.I am going to ask God to make that last doubt vanish before I go this night.I am going to believe that ring will plead for me.I am going to hope that doubt will disappear suddenly.
I will be watching.Every second I will be watching.
If it happens and you can't speak,give me your hand.
Just the least movement toward me,I will understand.
Would it help you to talk this over with your mother?
Shall I call her?Shall I----?"
Honk!Honk!Honk!Hart Henderson set the horn of the big automobile going as it shot from behind the trees lining the Brushwood road.The picture of a vine-covered cabin,a large drooping tree,a green-clad girl and a man bending over her very closely flashed into view.
Edith Carr caught her breath with a snap.Polly Ammon gave Tom Levering a quick touch and wickedly winked at him.
Several days before,Edith had returned from Europe suddenly.
She and Henderson had called at the Ammon residence saying that they were going to motor down to the Limberlost to see Philip a few hours,and urged that Polly and Tom accompany them.
Mrs.Ammon knew that her husband would disapprove of the trip,but it was easy to see that Edith Carr had determined on going.
So the mother thought it better to have Polly along to support Philip than to allow him to confront Edith unexpectedly and alone.
Polly was full of spirit.She did not relish the thought of Edith as a sister.Always they had been in the same set,always Edith,because of greater beauty and wealth,had patronized Polly.Although it had rankled,she had borne it sweetly.But two days before,her father had extracted a promise of secrecy,given her Philip's address and told her to send him the finest emerald ring she could select.
Polly knew how that ring would be used.What she did not know was that the girl who accompanied her went back to the store afterward,made an excuse to the clerk that she had been sent to be absolutely sure that the address was right,and so secured it for Edith Carr.
Two days later Edith had induced Hart Henderson to take her to Onabasha.By the aid of maps they located the Comstock land and passed it,merely to see the place.
Henderson hated that trip,and implored Edith not to take it,but she made no effort to conceal from him what she suffered,and it was more than he could endure.He pointed out that Philip had gone away without leaving an address,because he did not wish to see her,or any of them.
But Edith was so sure of her power,she felt certain Philip needed only to see her to succumb to her beauty as he always had done,while now she was ready to plead for forgiveness.
So they came down the Brushwood road,and Henderson had just said to Edith beside him:"This should be the Comstock land on our left."A minute later the wood ended,while the sunlight,as always pitiless,etched with distinctness the scene at the west end of the cabin.Instinctively,to save Edith,Henderson set the horn blowing.He had thought to drive to the city,but Polly Ammon arose crying:"Phil!Phil!"Tom Levering was on his feet shouting and waving,while Edith in her most imperial manner ordered him to turn into the lane leading through the woods beside the cabin.
"Find some way for me to have a minute alone with her,"she commanded as he stopped the car.
"That is my sister Polly,her fiance Tom Levering,a friend of mine named Henderson,and----"began Philip,"--and Edith Carr,"volunteered Elnora.
"And Edith Carr,"repeated Philip Ammon."Elnora,be brave,for my sake.Their coming can make no difference in any way.I won't let them stay but a few minutes.
Come with me!"
"Do I seem scared?"inquired Elnora serenely."This is why you haven't had your answer.I have been waiting just six weeks for that motor.You may bring them to me at the arbour."Philip glanced at her and broke into a laugh.She had not lost colour.Her self-possession was perfect.
She deliberately turned and walked toward the grape arbour,while he sprang over the west fence and ran to the car.
Elnora standing in the arbour entrance made a perfect picture,framed in green leaves and tendrils.No matter how her heart ached,it was good to her,for it pumped steadily,and kept her cheeks and lips suffused with colour.
She saw Philip reach the car and gather his sister into his arms.Past her he reached a hand to Levering,then to Edith Carr and Henderson.He lifted his sister to the ground,and assisted Edith to alight.Instantly,she stepped beside him,and Elnora's heart played its first trick.
She could see that Miss Carr was splendidly beautiful,while she moved with the hauteur and grace supposed to be the prerogatives of royalty.And she had instantly taken possession of Philip.But he also had a brain which was working with rapidity.He knew Elnora was watching,so he turned to the others.
"Give her up,Tom!"he cried."I didn't know I wanted to see the little nuisance so badly,but I do.How are father and mother?Polly,didn't the mater send me something?""She did!"said Polly Ammon,stopping on the path and lifting her chin as a little child,while she drew away her veil.
Philip caught her in his arms and stooped for his mother's kiss.
"Be good to Elnora!"he whispered.
"Umhu!"assented Polly.And aloud--"Look at that ripping green and gold symphony!I never saw such a beauty!
Thomas Asquith Levering,you come straight here and take my hand!"Edith's move to compel Philip to approach Elnora beside her had been easy to see;also its failure.Henderson stepped into Philip's place as he turned to his sister.Instead of taking Polly's hand Levering ran to open the gate.
Edith passed through first,but Polly darted in front of her on the run,with Phil holding her arm,and swept up to Elnora.Polly looked for the ring and saw it.That settled matters with her.
