The Dillon tribune., 1885-08-08
A FAMILY AFFAIR
BY HUGH CONW AY,
author Of "Cnlied Back" and Ozark Days
CHAPTER -H.HT/ Continued.


Frank, without making it clear whether b
referred to the pigs or their slayers.
''At first, when l married Rawlings.
found it melancholy business: 80 mad
up my mind to have everything away froo
the factory bright and cheerful"
"You have succeeded here" said Frank
a. lie took the ayure-covered Chair offere<
him.
Il hope 50. You see, sir,' continued Mrs
Rawlings, ''every business has its drawback
as we'll as its advantage Many don't lik.
the pork business, but it's nice clean bus,
ness-there's no dust about it like there i
about baking. hate dust Of any sort"
At another time Carruthers might have
been amused and have tried to draw thi.
woman out, but he was now only anxious tc
hear about Beatrie, 50 he commenced hi2
inquisition
Yes; Mrs Rawlings mad been ut Block.
town. She had stayed at the ''Cat and
Compasses." She, or rather her husband,
had believed little boy to be their missing
son. A young lady had called upon her
one morning. She gave no nau.., but shs
was tall young lady; sery handsome; ;.nd
with gray eyes; beautifully dressed in fact,
quite young lady Yes, poor thinyl quite
lady.
"VuAO WI0 AAaWuu&S teA1 uoT tlSlLOr WJl1C
had been said or done at that intervic n
Oh, no. never. The good woman shut her
eyes, compressed her lips, and shook her
head slowly and solemnly; tbs combined
effects Of these actions being meaut to show
that Beatrice's communication was forever
locked up ia the sscrsl repository of her
heart.
Mrs. Rawlings really meant to keep Bea-
trice's secret, and doubtless had no pressure
been applied she would have kept It Loyalty.
But unlucktly she was one OF those who have
to struggle to retain secret, not only it's
main body but little corners which would
alp out unawares In trying to guard Bea-
trice's secret from her visitors renewed
questions she was like one trying to pack a
feather bed into q travelling trunk; as ono
part was pushed down another part roso up.
The words "poor thingt' applied to Beatrice
had already raised Franks curiosity to the
highest pitch, and made him believe that the
present inquiry was not collateral.
Was be justified In striving to learn what
Beatrice wished hid9 He thought 80. He loved
her with pure, unselfsh love; so unselash
that he was not ehdeavoring to find tho
cause OF her fight for his own ends but in
order to be able to give her aid II she re-
quiretl it. Yes. the man who loved her had
q right to try and learn all about the woman
whom be believed loved him. Besides had
Reatrtcs in any WY bound this woman to
secrecyi He could scarcely believe H. Hs
fancted that Mrs. Rawlings, as some people
VII, was making . mystery of nothing.
Beatrice may have given her money tc with
6aw the absurd claim, and she was ashamed
to confess the fact.
Look here" said Carruthers. II must
and will know what took place between you
and the lady. warn you that by conceal
ment you may do her the greatest wrong.
You cannot harm her by telling the truth"
Again Mrs. Rawlings shut her eyes and
shook her head.
Again Frank pressed her, again and again.
!Shs sttu kept the secret, but ever and anon,
oy means OF some unguarded expression, let
? corner slip out So much so that Frank
!u!ly realised the fact that Beatrice was
driven to seek that interview by some great
stress, some grievous need. He began to
fancy thatin spite of her denial in knowledge
even of her name, Mrs. Rawlings mic6t
be able to tell all about the flight.
Can You tell me where to find herg' he
asked. II warn you il you withhold her
address from me you may do her q wronp
which may never be repaired"
despcke earnestly and impressively. fixing
bis eyes upon the woman as he spoke. He
wished to learn from her looks whether she
knew the address or not.
A sudden inspiration seiz,d Mrs. Raw.
|ings. Inspiration may come to a pu-.
veyor a. we'll as to a poet. This young man.
this eager young fellow, was the cause of ali
the shame and mischief-what secret was
there to keep from hims He might be right:
harm might follow her silence.
lyon want to find herr she asked
You don't know where she is!'
~ want to and her. Ishall never rest
until l lind her." His manner told Mrs.
Rawlings that her inspiration was correct,
She rose and spoke with real emotion.
Eyes, sir" she said, ''go and find her.
Go and do what Ia right II you are the
man, think your conscience will tell YOU
what to do Oh, sir, make what amends
you can while there IS time. Life is uncer-
tain. 1t Is things Of this sort which haunt a
man on his death bed"
Inc look OF surprise which at first sat ON
Franks face turned to one of something like
horror. 'tio on" he said hoarsely
Perhaps am wronging you," went ON tho
woman. ferhaps you did not know ALL
She said the child was born in secrecy.
terhaps you never knew 1t. But go to her
now, sir, and make what amends YOU can.
IT'S not for me to speak, but what can a gen.
want for his wife more than beau
:lful, proud-looking young lady like this.
Dear, dear! what she must have suffered,
poor thing"
Carruthers was CHASTITY. His hands grasped
The table for support. Mrs. Rawlings glanced
1t him and felt that her impromptu Grafton
was doing its wCrs.
There, don't take ON so," she said kindly.
There may be excuses for you. Old people
'ughtn't to judge the young too severely
'Iel! me all she said, every word" gasped
carruthora He had forced the woman to
y've him this bitter cup, and he meant to
Train it to the dregs
on, poor dear! she told me ALL Told mo