The Long Portage Part 53

After that he went back to his work, with Crestwick; and nearly twelve months had pa.s.sed when he sent a cable to England and started for that country a day after receiving the answer. Crestwick insisted on going with him.

"You'll no doubt want my support again," he grinned. "There's an office I mean to rob Nasmyth of, if I can."

It was evening when they drove into sight of Millicent's house. Lisle's heart throbbed painfully fast as he got down, but he was not kept waiting. Millicent was standing in her drawing-room, and as he came in she held out her hand to him.

"You answered my message," he said, seizing it. "You must have guessed what I meant when I asked if I might come across."

"Yes," she confessed softly; "I knew and I told you to come."

He still held her a little away from him as he gave a quick glance at the refined and artistic appointments of the room.

"There's a good deal you will have to give up," he told her. "You're not afraid of our new and rugged country? But it has something to offer--and we need such people as you."

"It's going to be a great country before very long," she answered gravely; "and I have no dread of it now. But--I gave my dearest--I think it owes me something in return."

He drew her masterfully into his arms.

"It discharges all its debts. You must teach me how to pay you back in full measure; that's my one big task. You're giving so much freely; but, of course, I'm glad--I don't want duty."

"This isn't duty," she smiled; "it's love!"

THE END