So Elaine was well content with her son-in-law for her daughter's sake, though when she looked into her mirror it seemed almost ridiculous to reflect that she was a mother-in-law. Time had touched her very lightly in its flight, and she was as beautiful as her daughter. Indeed, Clarence Stuart pronounced her lovelier. Sorrow had brought such soul and expression into her face, even as "night brings out the stars."
When several hours had passed and she heard footsteps in the hall outside her door, the glad tears rose to her eyes and the rapturous beats of her heart were almost painful.
"Irene, my love, my darling," she murmured, longingly.
The door unclosed and Guy Kenmore entered—alone!
Elaine looked past him—her face paled, her eyes filled.
"Oh, do not tell me she would not come," she cried.
Then she saw the shadow of heavy trouble brooding over his face.
"Not dead!" she wailed.
He took her hands in his firm, strong clasp.