“That’s splendid,” she agreed heartily, “and I’ll wager you can’t guess who’s here.”

My prophetic soul told me the answer even before I saw the tall figure emerge from an immense easy chair which had effectually concealed him.

I was to bid Jack good-by after all.

Mrs. Stewart closed the door behind her softly as Jack came over to my side.

“What is the matter, Margaret?” he said tensely.

“Nothing at all.”  I told the falsehood gallantly, but it did not convince Jack.

“You can’t make me believe that, Margaret,” he said gravely.  “I know you too well.  Tell me, have you quarrelled with your husband?”

Jack has played the elder brother role to me for so long that the habit of obedience to him is second nature to me.

“Yes,” I said faintly.

“Over me?” The question was quick and sharp.

I nodded.

“You showed him my letter?  Of course, I wished you to do so.”

“Yes.”

“How serious is the quarrel?  I see you have a bag with you.”

“It depends upon my husband’s attitude how serious it is,” I replied.  “He made an issue of my not doing something which I felt I must do.  Then he lost his temper and said things which if they are to be repeated, will keep me away forever!”

I saw Jack’s fists clench, and into his eyes there flashed a queer light.  I knew what it was.  Before he knew I was married he had told me of his long secret love for me.  That he was fighting the temptation to let the breach between Dicky and me widen, I knew as well as if he had told me.

Another moment, however, and he was master of himself again.

“Sit down,” he commanded tersely, and when I had obeyed he drew a chair close to my side.

“My poor child,” he said tenderly, “I know nothing about your husband, so I cannot judge this quarrel.  But I am afraid in this marriage game you will learn that there must be a lot of giving up on both sides.  Now I know you to be absolutely truthful.  Tell me, is there any possibility that the overtures for a reconciliation ought to come from you?”

“He told me that if I went out of the door, I must go out of it for good,” I said hotly, and could have bitten my tongue out for the words the next moment.

Jack drew a long breath.

“Did he think you were going to see me?”

“I believe he had that idea, yes.”

“Is he the sort of a man who always says what he means or does he say outrageous things when he is angry that he does not mean in the least?”

“He has a most ungovernable temper, but he gets over the attacks quickly, and I know he doesn’t mean all he says.”

“That settles it.”  Jack sprang up, and going to a stand in the corner took his hat and coat and stick.

“What are you going to do, Jack?” I gasped.

“I am going to find your husband and send him after you,” he said sternly.