[Illustration: An acolyte, entering in the gray of the early morning, saw on the last of the kneeling benches a man resting with bowed head]
The apprehension that had long waited upon Robert Kimberly’s intentions weighed upon his circle. It was not enough for those about him to assure themselves that their affairs of business or of pleasure must move on whether Robert should determine to move on with them or not. His aloofness carried with it an uncertainty that was depressing.
If he were wholly gone it would be one thing; but to be not gone and not of them was quite another. When Nelson brought the codicil providing for the school, satisfactorily framed, Kimberly had changed his intention and resolved, instead of incorporating the foundation in his will, to make immediate provision for an endowment. When the details were worked out, Nelson left to bring his wife home from Paris. Lottie’s first visit was to Dolly’s home, and there she found Imogene and Fritzie. She tiptoed in on the surprised group with a laugh.
They rose in astonishment, but Lottie looked so trim and charming in her French rig that she disarmed criticism. For a moment every one spoke at once. Then Dolly’s kind heart gave way as she mentally pronounced Lottie faultless.
"You never looked so well in your life," she exclaimed with sincerity. "I declare, Lottie, you are back to the sprightliness of girlhood. Paris certainly agrees with you."
Lottie smiled. "I have had two great rejuvenators this year--Paris and a good conscience."
Fritzie could not resist. "Do they go together, Lottie?" she asked.
Lottie responded with perfect ease: "Only when one is still young, dear. I shouldn’t dare recommend them to mature persons."
"You felt no risk in the matter yourself?" suggested Fritzie.
"Not in the least," laughed Lottie, pushing down her slender girdle. But she was too happy to quarrel and had returned resolved to have only friends. "You must tell me all about poor Robert." She turned, as she spoke to Dolly, with a sudden sympathy in her tender eyes. "I have thought so much about his troubles. And I am just crazy to see the poor fellow. What is he doing?"
"He is in town for a few days, just now. But he has been away for two months--with the yacht."