CHAPTER XIV

A MIDNIGHT MESSENGER


"My dear Helen, don't you realize that my official position
carries with it a certain social obligation which it is our duty
to discharge?"

"I suppose so, Uncle Arthur; but I would much rather stay at
home."

"Tut, tut! Go and have a good time."

"Dancing doesn't appeal to me any more. I left that sort of thing
back home. Now, if you would only come along--"

"No--I'm too busy. I must work to-night, and I'm not in a mood for
such things, anyhow."

"You're not well," his niece said. "I have noticed it for weeks.
Is it hard work or are you truly ill? You're nervous; you don't
eat; you're growing positively gaunt. Why--you're getting wrinkles
like an old man." She rose from her seat at the breakfast-table
and went to him, smoothing his silvered head with affection.

He took her cool hand and pressed it to his cheek, while the worry