Helen went swiftly towards it.

She seemed to hesitate a moment before she entered, and then she opened it, and closed it again behind her, standing silently in front of it.
Dr.Howe looked up calmly, expecting to see Sally; but the sight of that still figure, with eyes which looked at him with a curious fixedness, sent the color from his face in one moment of actual fright.

"Helen!" he cried, springing to his feet.

"Good heavens! child, what is it?
What is the matter ?" "I have come back," she answered, uttering each word with that peculiar slowness one notices in a very sick person, who tries to hear himself speak.
Dr.Howe had turned to light the lamp, but his hand shook, and Helen absently steadied the shade until he raised the wick, and then fumbled for his glasses, and turned to look at her.

It was a relief to hear her speak.
"My dear," he said, his voice still tremulous, "you alarmed me terribly.
Why, how wet you are!" He had laid his hand upon her shoulder to help her take off her wraps.