Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1891-04-19

was plant from beginning to end, and
that I'm shaking the bag because I've
got found out. There never was such
COMPOUNDED mess since the world be-
gam"
He actually stamped on the floor in
his impotence and bewilderment. Mrs.
Harris face was turned from him, but a
suspicious gurgle and movement OF her
shoulders attracted his attention and
changed the current of his thought.
'Oh, it's remer dously funny, | dare
say" he growed. Il don't see the joke
myself, bat 10 an outsider l suppose it's
exquisite. 'Tisn't often one has the
chance Of rejoicing over man wrlg-
Cling In a dilemma like a worm in a
woodpecker'S beak. I'd laugh outright,
though, if l were you. It's more decent
than staggering in corners
A handsome face, in which amuse-
ment struggled with contrition, was
turned toward him, and two hands were
cordially extended:
Forgive me, John, and don't be cross!
I'm going to help you, | am indeed,
with wits and will both. Only IcOuldn't
forbear quiet chuckle. You looked so
preternaturally concerned and solemn
and-and caught.
Royal was modified. Few people could
resist the charm of Mrs. Harris manner;
it was invigorating and comforting, ike
sunshine. Catching her eye he expert
enced a sudden and delicious revulslon
of feeling, like that produced by bit
of commonplace in an abStruse volume.
He bit his lip to keep from smiling.
Nina" he rebuked, 1.-THE way you are
taking this affair is positively subver-
sive of morals. Instead Of bowling at
me With indignation, and bounding on
the populace with tar and feathers, you
are acting as though the situation wasn't
past mending. And / believe in your
soul you are enjoying-yes, actually en-
loving it with the flippancy OF gamln.
What do you suppose is going to become
of you in the other country if you don't
fetch his folly home to the fool in this?''
His words were light, but they over
! Law considerable emotion. He was CRATE
full to her with a gratitude beyond ex-
preston for her sympathetic compre-
hension,
something more satisfactory than
endless psalmOdy or aerial progression,
hope" she smiled. "MOcking at those
in sore straits and grievously tormented
| hold to be my mission. Seriously,
though, / am sorry for you-truly sorry.
But after all. John, it isn't you that
matters so much. The situation is and
will be much harder on Phyllis. You
did il. you know. When there is a
smash up the man who holds the reins
and does the breaking gets the most
comfort out OF the affair.
The mention of his cousins name
caused Royals face to soften, and he let
the blood relation frankneSs OF his COM
panion'S speech pass. His intercourse
with Phyllis, restricted as it had neces-
sarily been, had awakened within him a
tender, chivalrouS devotion, touched and
materialized by admiration and sense
of personal possession. Her acceptance
of and absolute trust in him, her sweet
ness. patience and courage, won on him
day by day. His professional instinct
prevented him from feeling any OF that
intangible, egotistic shrinking from al
|
the hopefulness OF her case caused it to
present no bar TO her attractiveneSs.
Then, too, it is probable that the con-
seriousness that she was his wife-no
matter how she had become so-stirred
and Influenced his emotions more deeply
than he was himself aware.
He was very considerate and gentle
with her having always in mind that
time of disclosure which must surely
come. He had taken no advantage OF
the situation. and he intended to take
none. Probably his unconscious manii-
ness explained the readiness with which
Mrs. Hart had constituted herself his
ally. Her own instincts in regard to
her sex were tender and protective.
"What are you going to do?"
She had risen. for from the room
across the hall there came to her ear the
sound of soft music. The blind girl had
found her way to the piano, and was
cheering her darkness in the manner
she loved best. They had left her long
enough alone.
Royal squared himself.
1T would make pretty case" he
observer lmpcI>uHdliy Nv -" -
told me so. That ten minutes to p
time Of the death and the ceremony
would admit of considerable argument.
The 'shake-bag' fellows would flock to II
like hogs to the call of corn. But I'm
going TO give them the go-by, divorce
courts and all. | shall stand to my mar
riage."
"And the money?n
ROYALS thought consigned the money
to the halls Of EbliS with emphasis and
dispatch; his speech was more circum'
spect:
The money has done harm enough,
It has been the active agent in the i'm
broglo. Well let that part Of the bust
ness mellow for while. John Royal
legacy is of vastly more Importance thar
his aunt's."
The expression of Mrs. Harris face as
she Quilted the room was like spring
weather. a conflict between sunshine anC
shower. She managed. however to cas-
a lest back at him over her shoulder;
an the diversion therell perhaps be
enough to buy a ring for Phyllis-oy
putting two parts together. Ny OWL
share shall be devoted to defraylng the
EXPENSES for making my will according
to the Royal perrogatiye.
CHAPTER TX.
al,