Dennison Grant Part 39

"I'm going to get breakfast, Mr. Grant," Zen announced with a sudden burst of energy. "Everybody keep out of the kitchen."

"Guess I'll feed up for you, this morning, old chap," said Linder, beating a retreat to the stables.

And when Phyllis had laid aside her coat and hat and had straightened her hair a little in the gla.s.s above the mantelpiece she walked straight to Grant and put both her hands in his. "Let me see this boy, Willie Transley," she said.

Grant led her into the whim-room, where the boy still slept soundly, and drew aside the blinds that the morning light might fall about him.

Phyllis bent over the child. "Isn't he dear?" she said, and stooped and kissed his lips.

Then she stood up and looked for what seemed to Grant a very long time at the panorama of grandeur that stretched away to the westward.

"When may I expect an answer, Phyllis?" he said at length. "You know why my question has been so long delayed. I shall not attempt to excuse myself. I have been very, very foolish. But to-day I am very, very wise.

May I also be very, very happy?"

He had taken her hands in his, and as she did not resist he drew her gently to him.

"Little Willie christened me The Man-on-the-Hill," he whispered. "I have tried to live on the hill, but I need you to keep me from falling off."

"What about your settlement plan? I thought you wanted me for that."

"We will give our lives to that, together, Phyllis, to that, and to making this house a home. If G.o.d should give us--"

He did not finish the thought, for the form of Phyllis Bruce trembled against his, and her lips had murmured "Yes."...

"Mr. Grant! Mr. Grant! The telephone is ringing," called the clear voice of Zen Transley. "Shall I take the message?"

"Please do," said Dennison, inwardly abjuring the efficiency of the lineman who had already made repairs.

"It's Mr. Murdoch, and he's highly excited, and he says have you Phyllis Bruce here."

"Tell him I have, and I'm going to keep her."