The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1894-12-21
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CHAPTER XVI.


finite spirit and the most perfect sell
control, Miss Beaubien had informed
them that she had promised to lead with
Mr.. Jerrold, and since he was in duress
she would lead with no one, and sent
them off wondering and greatly excited,
there came running up to the carriage
telegraph messenger boy, who handed
her dispatch.
Il was going up to the avenue,
num-" he explained. "but L seen you
here
Nina's face paled as she tore it open
and read the curt lines:
Come to me here. Your help needed
instantly"
She sprang from the carriage. "Tell
mother l have gone over to see some
fort friends-not to wait, +" she called to
the coachman, well knowing he would
understand that she meant the ladies
with whom she had been so recently
talking. Like frightened deer she sped
around the corner, hailed the driver of
cab, lounging with his fellows along
the walk, ordered him to drive with all
speed to Summit avenue, and with beat
ing heart decided of her plan. Her glo-
rious eyes were flashing; the native
courage and fierce determination of her
race were working in her womans
heart. She we'll knew that imminent
danger threatened him. She had dared
everything for love of his mere presence,
his sweet caress. What would she not
dare TO save him if save she could? He
had not been true to her. She knew,
and knew well, that, whether sought OF
not, Alice Renwick had been winning
him from her. that he was wavering,
that he had been cold and negligent,
but with all her soul and strength she
loved him and believed him grand and
brave and fine as he was beautiful.
Now-now was her opportunity. He
needed her. His commission, his honor,
depended Oh her. He had intimated as
much the night beforehand told her
of the accusations and suspicious that
attached to him-but made no mention
Of the photograph.
He had said that, though nothing
could drag from him word that would
compromise her, she might he called
upon to stand 'twiXt him and ruin, and
now perhaps the hour had come. She
could free, exonerate, glorify him, and
in doing so claim him for her own.
Who. after this, could stand 'twiXt her
and him? He loved her, though he had
been cold, and she: Had he hidden
her bow her dusky head to earth and
kiss the print of his heel she would
have obeyed could She but feel sure that
her reward would be simple touch of
his hand, an assurance that no other
woman could find moments place in
his love. Verify, he had been doing
desperate wooing i'll the long winter,
for the very depths of her nature were
all athrob with love for him. And now
rs could no longer plead that poverty
withheld his offer of his hand Sho
would soon be mistress of her own lit
tie fortune, and ut her mothers death
Of an independence. Go to him she
would, and on wings Of the wind, and
go she did. The cab released her at the
gate to her home and went back with a
ing. She sped through the house and
out the rear doors, much to the amaze
of cook and others who were in consul
tation in the kitchen. She flew down q
winding flight Of stairs to the level be-
low, and her fairy feet went tripping
over the pavement of u plebeian street.
A quick turn, and she was at little
30 ~%a1N 10 .trN.,
knew her and started from his chair.
Whats wrong today, Miss Nina?'
II want the roam mare and light buggy
again-quick as you can. Your own
price at the old terms, Mr.. Graves--si.
lence. "
He nodded, called to subordinate
and in five minutes handed her into tho
frail vehicle. An impatient chirrup and
flap of the reins, and the roam shot
forth into the dusty road, leaving old
Graves shaking his head at the door.
'I've known her ever since she was
weaned," he muttered, land she's q
wild bird, if ever there was one, but
she's never been the like o. this till last
month. "
And the roam mare was covered with
foam and sweat when Nina Beaubien
drove into the bustling fort, barely an
hour after her receipt Of Jerrold's tele-
gram. "A few officers were gathered i'll
front of headquarters, and there were
curious looks from face to face as she
was recognized. Mr.. Rollins was on
the walk, giving some instructions to q
sergeant of his company, and never saw
her until the buggy reined mp close be-
hind him, and turning suddenly he met
her face TO face us she sprang lightly
to the ground. The young fellow red.
dened to his eyes and would have re-
coiled, but she was mistress of the stu
alton. She we'll knew she had but to
command, and Inc would obey, or, at the
most, if she could no longer command
she had only to implore, and he would
be poworless 20 Withstand her entrcaty.
Il am glad you are here. Mr.. Rol-
Inns. You can help mc--sergeant, will
you kindly hitch my horse at that post!
now" she added in low, hurried
tone, "comc will, me TO Mr.. Jcrrold's.
Rollins was too stupcficd to answer
Silently he placed himself by her side,
and together they passed the group at
tla nffioo Mics pnn,,1ic,, ,,o1co1 with