line, when it was of no use. But you should have heard the
. crowd after the goal was kicked. The echoes ring in my ears
“ So we won after all,” mused Tod.
“ Yes; and you richly deserved it. Oh, you should have seen
the Cranston men then. That Mr. Bascombe actually smiled as
they carried you off the field. I never did like him very well;
but since this afternoon I detest him.”
‘‘ You know him then?” inquired Tod.
Anita drew herself up quickly as though she had accidentally
said that which she had not ought to.
“ No —yes —that is, a little. You see, we were neighbors once,”
she explained, lamely. But Tod did not notice her evident em
barrassment. His mind was busy with another problem. He
was wondering why she was so reticent regarding his benefactor.
He resolved to ask her point-blank.
“ Anita, whose house am I in?” he said, slowly and distinctly.
The girl was silent for a moment, as though seeking some
evasive answer. But none came to her mind.
“ Doctor Anston’s,” she said, quietly
‘‘Doctor Anstou’s,” gasped Tod.
happen ?”
“At the doctor’s special request. This is so much nearer than
the hospital.”
Tod was almost dazed by the news. To be, even at that
moment, under the same roof with Stella, maybe but a few yards
from her. It was nearly too much for his mind to grasp.
‘‘Do the fellows know where I am ?” he managed to ask, think
ing how they would guy him on his return to college.
“ Indeed they do. Notes and cards and visitors, all inquiring
about your health, have been pouring in all evening.”
And Miss Anston did she seem to care whether I was suffer
ing or not ? Did she inquire about me ?’ ’
The nurse moved uneasily.
“ Oh, yes, indeed,” she replied. “ Every half hour found her
in the room inquiring for latest news. ’ ’
Tod was quiet for a long time. Then he resolved on a bold
move.
“ I wonder whether she would come in to see me so that I could
talk to her. Do you think she would ?’ ’
The Free Lance.
‘ ‘ How—how did that
[November,