The Red Cloud chief., 1896-06-12
CHAPTER ".

CHAPTER ".
go Mistress mae, whore are you roam
O stay and hear! Your true loves cou.
ing
That can sing both high and low;
Trip no further, pretty sWcctiug.'
1t is IA distinctly aggressive mood
that she gocs to the drawing-room an
hour later, to keep her appointment
with Sir Ralph. She finds him there.
l%ounging in "a big chair, with his
hands claspcd behind his head. gazing
modify into the fire. There is II
frown upon his brow that he does
not attempt to get rid OF. as he
gets slowly on to his feet 10 receive
her.
''iou did not trouble yourself to
hurry says he unpieasantly.
You gave me the impression
that any time would do" rctorts she.
with "A little shrug OF her pretty
shoulders.
mo time would have suited you, |
dare say says he bitterly.
''Much better, If you are going
to be in II bad temper with
II touch Of temper on her W part.
Ankctcll looks at her i~ntently for n
moment There is "A curious light in
his eyes-a quick fire. lie even
moves his lips as If he would have
spoken. but by II strong effort controls
himself.
as my temper the only thing
against me?" asks he presently with II
emile that, if still rcsentfui, is also
very sad.
81 have made no complaint.' re-
turns she Jelly.
Then | wish you WOULD cries he
fiercely. his late control flung to the
winds, and a very storm Of passion
shaking him. what. do YOU think
j AN IA stone, or Il fool, that | can't
see how you treat me? Find your
fault. State it, Let me see where !
faii.'
''If,' says Miss McDcrmo,, laying
her hand on the back of the chair
nearest hcr-"if it was to-to roar at
me you asked me to meet you
here. ] think you would have
done better to reserve your invitation.
She Is very pale as she thus dclies
him. bot her lovely head is we'll
thrown up. and battle declares itself
in every feature.
'Weli-I beg your PARDON" says
EiN'lclI, Win llt alT VI IL Illiu WHO,
finding the matter hopeless. gives in.
.Iet ns-grimly-presumc | have no
fault
by all MEANS" acquiesccs she de-
murely.
There were some papers to be
signed with regard to our MARRIAGE
says he; that was why | asked you
10 come here; but you delayed so long
that
well. WHAT"
81 fancied you wero very happy
where you were. and so would not
have you disturbed. told your
father | could rome again Tomorrow.
and so could the solicitor. You see,
satirically. II have always your
Interests at heart"
You are too good returns she.
with IA satire OF her own 50 fine,
that his sinks into insiguiiicauce.
Then, quite suddenly, she turns Ia
him. and crossing the room, reaches
the hearthrug on which he is stand
ing. '\Nhat is it all about?' asks she,
with Il change from tincsSc To utter
straightfOrwardncss, Something has
vcXcd you. WHAT
'Ah. so much you have troubled
yourself 10 discover says he, with II
harshncss that she is clever enough to
know Is born Of grief. ''Somcthing,
How many things? | wonder. My
life for the past month has bcen II
hell. Because | don't say much. YOU
think | cannot feel ut all. What do
you think | felt on that first cursed
evening. when that fellow came b.
meath your ~roof-whcn YOU toId old
Bridget that you were tired of hear
Ing OF Sir Ralph?'"
She is standing opposite to him,
with the freight Illuminating her
face. a little quick shivor seems to
come over her; but beyond that she
makes no sign.
II suppose you mean that you wish
to break our engagement" says she,
her voice coming from her in little
broken pieces.
That No. That is the last thing
! should mean"
And yet, If you believe me tired
OF you surely you would wish to-
Il should not coldly.
mot even them. Tired OF you.
You heard me say that, and stili'--
II shall mover break or my engage
ment with you,' says he slowly.
Never! ] shall leave the breaking OF
our engagement TO you"
You mean.' says she, in II little
choking voice. ''that you will leave
the odium Of it upon me?.'
y 81 mean that shall never break with
' you until you break with me-
''lOu are q tyrant,' cries she sud-
denly. You don't care for ne, yet
you will hold me in spite of me!'
lis that your reading of it?"
''lcs, that is what | think-what
honestly think, DO you know,
looking straight ut him, her charm,
l ing, angry face brilliant with
Semotion. | believe that in your
lhcart you hate me, and that the pun.
rishment YOU have laid out for mo- IS To
y, marry ms"