A few last instructions to Ruth, and we set forth down the gray road.

Hardly had we taken a few steps when there came a faint cry from her.
"Dick! Dick--come here!" He sprang to her, caught her hands in his.

For a moment, half frightened it seemed, she considered him.
"Dick," I heard her whisper.

"Dick--come back safe to me!" I saw his arms close about her, hers tighten around his neck; black hair touched the silken brown curls, their lips met, clung.

I turned away.
In a little time he joined me; head down, silent, he strode along beside me, utterly dejected.
A hundred more yards and we turned.