"My blessed child!" cried he, rushing toward her. "What have you been
doing to yourself?"

She was in his arms; his hands were taking off her snow-wet coat and hat.
He was whispering to her his love and gladness while he placed her in a
chair and lighted the tiny gas log in the grate.

"It's a wicked shame!" he said laughingly; "but it will have to do. Now
then, confess!"

"Oh! I have longed so for you! I have been--mad!"

Priscilla tried to smile, but collapsed miserably.

"I don't believe you have eaten a morsel since----" Travers glared at her
ferociously.

"Since I--I was in Switzerland." The sob aroused Travers to the girl's
condition.

"You poor little tyke!" he said. "Now lean back and do as you're told.
I'm going to ring for food. Just plain, homely food. I'm as hungry as a
bear myself. I came to you from the vessel. I sent mother home in a cab.
I had to see you. We'll eat--play; and then, my precious one, we'll talk
business."

"How I have wanted you! needed you!" Again the pitiful wail.

"Now behave, child! When the waiter comes we must be as staid as Darby