"Don't keep things from mother," pleaded Kathleen.
"I promise not to when there is anything to tell. I was weak enough to think out loud with you. Now, run along, my child."
"Oh, father, always be weak enough to think out loud with me. Will you?" He had risen and she did so reluctantly.
He crushed her trim whiteness in his arms, and kissed her. "Don't make me sorry, then. Don't cross any bridge until you come to it. Promise."
She smiled up at him bravely. "I promise," she said, and left the office with a wistful backward look at him standing there, his eyes following her.
CHAPTER XVIII
CASCO BAY
Pat's benevolent heart swelled with satisfaction when, a few evenings later, Philip ran down the stable stairs, his packed suitcase in hand.