Then she went out, closing the door behind her.
Jack, upon seeing her, hastily got up, with more than concern in his pale face.
"Columbine!" he cried, hoarsely.

"How you look!...

Tell me.

What happened?
Girl, don't tell me you've--you've--" "Jack Belllounds," interrupted Columbine, in tragic amaze at this truth about to issue from her lips, "I've promised to marry you--on October first." He let out a shout of boyish exultation and suddenly clasped her in his arms.

But there was nothing boyish in the way he handled her, in the almost savage evidence of possession.