And they settled to a rhythmic stroke. "It was so wonderful back there, Leslie," said Howard wistfully. "We oughtn't to let anything interfere with this first hour together." "This isn't interfering," said Leslie practically, "it's just duty, and that never interferes. Here, we'll land over there and you beat it up the hill! I'll padlock the boats by that old tree and follow, but _don't you dare_ wait for me! I'll be there to hear the first word and they'll have waited for you, I know. A little to the right, there--_now_--step out and _beat it_!" He obeyed her, and presently came panting to the audience room, with a fine color, and a great light in his eyes, just as Halsted was slipping down to inquire of Allison: "Where in thunder is Letchworth? Seen him anywhere?" "Heavens, man! Hasn't he showed up yet?" cried Allison startled. "Where could he be?" Julia Cloud beside him leaned over and quietly drew their attention to the figure hastening up the aisle. Halsted hurried back to the platform, and Allison, relieved, settled once more in his seat. But Julia Cloud rested not in satisfaction until another figure breathlessly slipped in with eyes for none but the speaker. Then into the eyes of Julia Cloud there came a vision as comes to one who watching the glorious setting of the sun sees not the regretful close of the day that is past, but the golden promise of the day that is to come. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Cloudy Jewel, by Grace Livingston Hill