It was with great trepidation that Betty awaited the return of Walter; she still had time to rectify her wrongdoing and send Jack away forever. This action was in her power and she was fully conscious of its importance. And her chief thought was of the sorrow she was about to bring upon the man who had been father, husband and brother all in one--who had lived but to please her; surely she was listening to the mad promptings of a wild impulse. Then she strove to persuade herself that Walter was phlegmatic and plain, a person whose goodness consisted rather in the avoidance than the overcoming of temptation. “Direct me, God, to the right choice,” said she aloud. Jack held her at arm’s length and austerely scanned her features. “Dearest, you know you love me--the joy of this hour is proof enough: these thrills are the thrills of love; the first that have ever come to you or to me. Come, dear, come with me. Do not leave my soul in anguish--my heart famished. Darling, come and I shall protect you always. Answer, my own--answer yes,” whispered Jack, as his lips repeatedly pressed warm kisses to hers--and the answer came slowly and softly--“Yes, I’ll come.” “When? Now?” “No, I must make it easy for Walter first. I must arrange things and it will take a long while.” “I’ll be waiting for you, sweetheart, and even if my body be exiled from you forever my heart will still be yours.” * * * * * An epidemic of “flu” had spread over the country--multitudes were sick and dying. Many of the doctors had not returned from the war and the few left were inadequate in numbers to cope with the dreaded malady. Dr. Baker looked up at his wife from the couch where he had fallen from exhaustion. “Dear,” said she, “there is another desperate case in the Valley. Do you think you can possibly go out tonight? They are waiting at the ’phone for your answer.” “Tonight! Not possible, Jane, I’m so tired I can scarcely walk another step. Tell them to try Johnson; they will just about catch him. Who is ill?” he asked, as his wife was leaving the room. “Mr. Gary--Walter Gary.” “Walter Gary?” repeated Dr. Baker, sitting upright. “Yes.” “Ask how long he has been ill.” Mrs. Baker returned almost immediately. “It’s Mrs. Gary at the ’phone; she is begging you to come. She says her husband has just been taken, but he seems desperately ill.” The doctor pulled himself to his feet. “He’s just about the age and the build of the ones who go quickest.” “Mrs. Gary said she would send for you at once if you would come,” continued his wife. “Never mind, tell her I’ll be there as soon as I can make it.” It was the latter part of the following week. Dr. Baker entered his home at midnight as noiselessly as possible, but his wife was waiting for him and accosted him from the top of the stairs. “Is he better, Dick?”