love had been spoken; not even a glance of understanding had passed
between them. Yet they both knew by some mysterious instinct that a
crisis of their lives had come and gone, and that they never again could
be to each other as they were but a brief moment ago. They talked very
sensibly and gravely during their frugal meal; the previous spectator
of their confidences would have now thought them only simple friends and
have been as mistaken as before. They talked freely of their hopes and
prospects,--all save one! They even spoke pleasantly of repeating their
little expedition after his return from the country, while in their
secret hearts they had both resolved never to see each other again.
Yet by that sign each knew that this was love, and were proud of each
other's pride, which kept it a secret.
The train was late, and it was past ten o'clock when they at last
appeared before the concierge of Helen's home. During their journey,
and while passing though the crowds at the station and in the streets,
Ostrander had exhibited a new and grave guardianship over the young
girl, and, on the first landing, after a scrutinizing and an almost
fierce glance at one or two of Helen's odd fellow lodgers, he had
extended his protection so far as to accompany her up the four flights
to the landing of her apartment. Here he took leave of her with a grave
courtesy that half pained, half pleased her. She watched his broad
shoulders and dangling sleeve as he went down the stairs, and then
quickly turned, entered her room, and locked the door. The smile had
faded from her lips. Going to the window, she pressed her hot forehead
against the cool glass and looked out upon the stars nearly level with
the black roofs around her. She stood there some moments until another
star appeared higher up against the roof ridge, the star she was looking
for. But here the glass pane before her eyes became presently dim with
moisture; she was obliged to rub it out with her handkerchief; yet,
somehow, it soon became clouded, at which she turned sharply away and
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