Anna Chapin Ray

“ To his disappointment, Rob's door was closed. Across the hall, Day's door stood open, and Day sat reading just inside the door. She looked up, as Ronald's step sounded on the stairs, and her face was severe.
"Is Rob—" Ronald began hesitatingly.
"Rob has gone to bed."
"Is he asleep?"
"I hope so. He was very tired and a good deal worried. I hope he won't be disturbed," Day said sedately.
"Hang it, Day; don't be so hard on a fellow!" Ronald blurted out. "I know I was beastly rude to Rob; but I was half-wild about Janet, and didn't mind what I was saying." ”

“ The roar of the storm was his only answer, and Rob was forced to set his own wits to work to answer the question.
Swiftly he vetoed the idea of going back into the library. In such a storm as this, there was scanty chance that the librarian would return. No telling how long he might have to stay there, awaiting succour. And, if the fires went low? And, besides, he would need things to eat. Canadian beef might be tough; but, at least, it was preferable to book bindings. It was plain no car was coming. He could telephone for a cab, if he only knew where he could find a telephone. ”

“ You know you like it, yourself. But you should see Ronald. He has been telephoning all over town, from the Hôtel Dieu to the jail. In the intervals of his telephoning, he rushes to the front door and stares up and down the street. The house is as cold as a barn. I do believe here's Ronald now," she added, as a short, sharp knock sounded upon the door.
Ronald entered abruptly, abruptly cast his question at the comfortable-looking pair on the bed.
"Have, either of you seen Janet?"
"Not since morning. Rob is better, thank you," Day responded calmly.
Ronald, in all his alarm, looked puzzled. ”

“ She could fancy the mirth which would come into his eyes as he met her, and her cheeks grew hot at the thought. Rather than that, she would stay in the vaults until the crack of doom.
Restlessly she rose and began to explore her narrow quarters, moved less by curiosity than by the chill of the place. ”

“ It will give her time to think of her sins," Day said tartly.
Rob shook his head.
"Rather more than she needs. Janet isn't usually a vixen." Then his compassion changed to mirth, as he added, "Ronald's progress will be easy, for he will set the snow on fire before him, if he dashes through it as he went downstairs."
Ronald, meanwhile, was making all speed to the library. Logic or no logic, Rob's words had convinced him that Janet was somewhere shut up in the building. ”

“ Then his glance sought the track. "By Jove," he added; "do you believe the cars have stopped running?"
Again and more thoughtfully he peered through the falling flakes, hoping to see some break in the smooth white level of the street, some sign to show that a car had passed the corner within the last half hour. The white level was unscarred; no distant hum marked the approach of car or sweeper, and the wind was rising with every moment. Rob whistled to himself. ”

“ Then, fearful of his following her, she noiselessly pushed open a door which chanced to be unlatched, crossed the threshold and, still noiselessly, closed the door behind her. The next moment, she found herself safe from pursuit, in one of the library vaults. Rob would probably start for home now. She would wait there, until he had had time to get safely out of the way. Then she would betake herself home by another path. She would make herself late for lunch ”