Alexander's Bridge

strike complications which were delaying Alexander's New Jersey bridge, and stat

which he used as a study and office. It was furnished with the cast-off possessions of his bachelor days and with odd things which he sheltered for friends of his who followed itinerant and more or less artistic callings. Over the fireplace there was a large old-fashioned gilt mirror. Alexander's big work-table stood in front of one

e sheets. It was after nine o'clock and he was lighting a second pipe, when he thought he heard a sound at his door. He started and listened, holding the burning match in his hand; again he heard the same sound, like a fi

door behind her. He pointed to a chair by the fire a

n his hands and the purple sleeves of his velvet smoking-jacket, but his flushed face and big, hard head were in the shadow. T

But we sail on Tuesday. I saw that interview in the paper yesterday, telling where you were, and I thought

f your coat-and your boots; they're oozing water." He knelt down and began to unlace her shoes, while Hilda shran

red times to-day. Don't be any more angry than you can help. I was all right until I knew you were in town. If you'd sent me a note, or telephone

him, and began to brush the sleeve of his jacket. "Is this

mean just to-quit me?" she asked. "I came to tell you that I'm willing to do as you asked me. But i

u were sailing on Tuesday? There is a letter for you there, in my desk drawer. It was to have reached you on the steamer. I was all the morning writing it. I told myself

eve. "Oh, Bartley! Did you write to me? Why didn't you telepho

because, deep down in me somewhere, I was hoping I might drive you to do just this. I've watched that door all da

you were feeling that. But when I c

and began to walk u

ntil after you had gone. Then, when your manager added two more weeks, I was already committed." He droppe

ing to do what you asked me to do when you were in Lond

ho

ch! One of them. Only not

estlessly. "Are y

ed I'

know what you're

cided. I never used to understand how women did things like that, but I know

o it's better to be at the me

ircumstances,

he window, threw it open, and leaned out. He heard Hilda moving about behind him. When

I don't know what I ought to say, but I don't believe you'd

you what I've made up my mind to do. I suppose I would better do it without telling you.

self. When Hilda rose he sat down on the a

kind of woman. I'd never have another hour's peace if I helped to make you do a thing like that." He took her face between his hands and looked down into it. "You see, you are differe

re. She closed her eyes; her lips and eyelids trembled. "Only on

leap in the arms tha

, Hilda. Try h

his eyes, and hid h