"You arrived just in time, Mr. Hadly. We are in for a storm, I guess. How dark it is!"
A sudden flash of lightning and clap of thunder made them both start.
Venna hastily put on the lights with a slight shiver.
"Let us pull down the shades, too," she said. "It doesn't seem so bad then."
"Are you afraid of a thunder-storm. Miss Hastings?" he asked as he shut out the storm.
"Not ordinarily," she returned, suddenly paling as another streak of lightning penetrated the room, followed by thunder that shook the house.
Hadly crossed to her side, and taking her arm gently, led her to a chair.
"You really look pale. Tell me, there is something more than the storm that has frightened you. What is it?"
"I don't know," returned Venna, sitting down. "I was watching the robins outside my window when I was possessed with an indescribable sadness. It passed off and now comes this fear. I don't understand it. I never fear a storm."
He stood beside her chair, towering handsomely by her side. He looked down into her face so full of questioning fear. Surely now was his time.