He saw, now, that the prophecies of his friends in Winnipeg had been heralds of this moment, sent by Destiny.
He was in love—at last!
V
Few men reach mature years without experiencing a sincere 'affair.' Those that do are generally leaders of monastic lives remote from cities or settlements where women congregate—are soldiers, sailors, missionaries, pioneers. But when love comes at last to men of that stamp, especially when their segregation has preserved their boyhood ideals regarding women, especially when stern discipline of soul and body and close contact with Nature—another name for God—has prepared them for its coming—then they love as men love at their noblest, deepest and best, bringing with them the fiery ardour of strength developed and the reverent rapture of youth.
Hector was 'of that stamp.'
Having discovered that he loved Frances, he shaped his campaign, as usual, with a sure, determined hand. The first thing, of course, was to see her again, as soon and as often as possible. He had originally intended to leave Arcady by the earliest train. Therefore as a preliminary, he sent, in the morning, the following wire to John:
'Unavoidably and indefinitely detained. Important business.'
"Well, it is important business!" he excused himself.
Next, he went to Mrs. Tweedy.
"Mrs. Tweedy, I like Arcady so well that I've decided to accept your invitation and stay on a while."