In a sudden throb of pain, the old days came back. She saw
herself at the piano, aching with love and longing, while just beyond,
in an old moonlit garden, Allison made love to Isabel.
[Illustration: musical notation]
Was it a ghost, or was it--? No, she was only foolish. Aunt Francesca
had promised not to tell, and she never broke her word. Besides, why
should he seek her?
[Illustration: musical notation]
"It's only someone who has stopped in passing," Rose thought, "to ask
the way to the next town, or to get a glass of water, or--I won't be
foolish! I'll go in!"
So she crossed the threshold, into the house where Love lived.
At the sound of her step, the man turned quickly, the music ending in a
broken chord.
"You!" she gasped. "Oh, how could you come!"
"By train," answered Allison, gently, "and then by walking. I've
frightened you, Rose."
"No," she stammered sinking into a chair. "I'm--I'm surprised, of
course. I'm glad you're well enough to be about again. Did--is anything
wrong with Aunt Francesca?" she asked, anxiously.
"Indeed there isn't. She was blooming like a lilac bush in May, when I
saw her last night.
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