Indeed, sweet, gentle Mae had so crept into his heart that he no longer envied Rolfe Maxwell the prize of Viola’s love. He wished her every happiness, but his secret sympathies went out to Philip Desha, with whom he had made friends only yesterday, and had been told frankly that he was going to try again for Viola’s heart.
It was late that night when Judge Van Lew returned from New York, but Viola was sitting up for him, too restless and agitated to retire until he came.
It went to his heart, the pale look of anxiety on the lovely face as she glided toward him, and he cried out, reassuringly:
“Cheer up, darling; I have goods news for you!”
He took her little cold hands in his, and kissed her tenderly, as he added:
“It is almost certain that Rolfe Maxwell is alive, a prisoner incommunicado in Morro Castle. The newspaper that he wrote for has very reliable news from a recently released prisoner, and steps have already been taken to secure his release. Consul-General Lee was cabled to yesterday to give immediate attention to the case.”
Viola’s head rested against his shoulder, her form shaking with sobs of joy.
“How long, papa, how long?” she faltered.
“Until his release?”
“Yes.”