The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-05-12

voice. "You asked me tonight to release you from your engagement. "You have your wish-you are free !"
 He turned as if to go. He had not taken the smallest notice of Kennard, who stood motionless, speeches., his face stern and set, as though carved in stone. Gladys sprang to her feet.
 "Bernardl" she gasped, "what- what do you mean?"
 "I mean this," he said, with an in- flection of bitter scorn in his clear tones, "that a woman who, as my promised wife, can SO far forget her. self as to visit another mans rooms- alone-at midnight-is no wife for mel That"
 With furious exclamation Ken nard sprang towards him, then stopped short, and bit his lip violently. For was not this man the affianced hus- band of the woman he so dearly loved?
 "You must be mad, Campbelll" he exclaimed in thick, husky tones. "For heavens sake, think what you are say ing. This-this meeting is pure &C., cident, for which I alone am to blame. If you will let me explain, you will see that-that-" He stopped. Campbell had walked to the mantel- piece, and now stood leaning against it, a bitter smile curving his white lips. A stranger would have thought him almost calm, so impassive was the cold, handsome face. Not even Gladys guessed the white heat of passion which smouldered under this icy self possession.
 "1 await your explanation, MT. Kennard," he said in voice almost deadly in it's unnatural quietness.
 hennard paused, mentally cursiDg his own mad folly, which had brought such cruel insult and suspicion on the name of the woman who, even in his thoughts, was so sacred to him. How could he explain? How could he ex- pect to be believed? Would he be- lieve such tale, were he in Camp bells place? Most assuredly not!
 "Listen," he said, almost fiercely. "I-I love Miss Raynor. You know her so well, will forgive me so much. Tonight T." He paused. Again the evil sheer rested on Campbelrs lips.
 "I see," he said in icy tones, turning his eyes again upon Gladys, who stood horror-stricken, with dark dilating eyes and quick drawn breath. "I see. 1 quite understand. You love Miss Raynor. And she loves you. And she has come here tonight to tell you so. We'll will not interrupt such tender condolences. IH
 "Good God" broke in Kennard, violently. "What do you mean? Be silent and hear me, or I swear will kill youw
 "Pardon me-" returned the other with faint smile, "I have heard enough, and more than enough. When Miss Raynor asked me tonight to re- lease her from her engagement to me, 1 did not realize, unhappily, what good reason she had for her request. l realize it now, and beg to resign my rights in your favor. l consider my self fortunate in that was prompted to follow her tonight. Permit me to leave you together" With a slight, contemptuous bow which in- cluded both, he went towards the door. But Kennard could control himself no longer. With muttered curse he flung himself at Campbelps throat, and bore him furiously back wards. But the next instant Gladys, with bitter, agonized cry, threw herself between them.
 "Harcourt!" she shrieked, "for my sakew
 Kennard's arms fell to his sides; his hands were clenched, his breathing was labored and uneven. For mo- ment the two men glared at each other, then with look at Gladys that she never fofgot--so intense, so full of bitter scorn and contempt was it. Campbell turned slowly and went out. As the door closed, Kennard leaned back against the wall, like one struck by heavy blow.
 My darling darling l" he nut tered deliriously, scarce knowing what he said. "To what insults have sub- jected you! Can you ever forgive me?"
 "I must go home" she said, pushing back her hair confusedly, and speak ing almost in 8 whisper. "You will take me home? Now-nowi At oncep
 "Yes-yes-I will take you home," he answered agitatedly. "But first tell me-is it true that you asked him to release you? Do you not love him, then?" The last words were almost inaudible. He had come quite close to her, and stood with folded arms, looking down into her eyes. But he did not attempt to touch her, not even to take her hand.
 "Love him [" she cried wildly. "No no! l have known for long time l