Anne replaced the receiver in silence and she and Alexis looked into each other's faces. "You must go back at once," she whispered finally. "And leave you?" he exclaimed huskily. "Never! Besides I don't believe a word. It is merely a hoax, a clever trick of my mother's to get me back into her clutches. She's quite capable of it! But she can't fool me so easily. I'll not go!" Anne met his wild young eyes with something akin to horror. "Oh no, Alexis, you are deceiving yourself! This message rings only too true, and I should never forgive myself if I didn't urge you to go, especially after what happened yesterday." He shook his head stubbornly. "You don't know my mother!" She placed her hand upon his arm with an urgent gesture. "Alexis, you are behaving like a spoiled child! You would never forgive yourself if something happened to Claire because of you. The least you can do is to return immediately. If it should turn out to be a hoax, which is unbelievable, why you can come back again. Nobody can force you to stay, you know!" At her appeal, a sudden sense of shame flooded him. He nodded his head in bitter acquiescence. "Yes, I suppose I must go," he said slowly. "But how can I leave you, how can I live without you?" His eyes devoured her. She turned away to hide sudden tears. "Hush, Alexis, you must not think of yourself now. Remember poor Claire. Come, you must be brave." Her voice was gentle. "You make me ashamed!" he cried. "But I love you so. I don't know what would become of me if I should have to lose you, Anne!" He raised her hands to his lips and kissed them over and over. "Promise that you will not forsake me, that you will let me remain your friend." Tears trembling on her lids, she looked down upon his bent head. "I promise," she murmured. With a smothered cry he released her. He turned his back abruptly and strode across the room. "What time does the early train leave?" he inquired huskily from the doorway. "At six, I believe," responded Anne faintly. "Regina will pack for you and of course Howard will drive you down to the village," she continued more firmly. "Thank you." His despairing eyes caught the regret in hers. "You will let me hear from you?" his voice was full of suppressed suffering. "Of course," she replied. "Please telegraph if there is any news. I'll be going down myself in a few days probably. It is becoming rather cheerless here now." She cast a nervous glance towards the windows against which the rain continued to pound relentlessly. Her unconcealed trouble kindled a light in Alexis' eyes. "She is beginning to love me," he thought. A sense of fear and joy permeated him, but he continued speaking calmly. "I shall say good-bye to-night, then, so as not to disturb you so early in the morning. Good-bye, Anne--thank you." His voice broke. He turned and escaped up the stairs. Pale, a little wistful, Anne watched the boyish figure disappear around the landing.