The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1896-01-17


II Mean % %es,t !" Believe Your
was kind, thoughtfully attentive, gen.
tie, as she would have been to u
stranger.
For the truth was that there was
nothing in Tom Anderson to rouse ten
der feelings in the woman who had
found him out. He took her attentions
in a hang-dog fashion, with some lit
tie shame, perhaps, but with still more
irritation. When he had eaten his sup
per and was provided with cigarette
he began to assume airs of lofty in
dignation at the words he had over
heard Cyril address to her.
II don't know whether that's the
way you have been allowing every
young jackanapes you met to speak to
you while I have been away" grum-
bled he. "'My poor darling indeed"
But, much to his amazement, Con-
stance burst out laughing.
She had been so gentle that he was
prepared to find her humble, also, and
ready to allow him to get the upper
again.
.You won't talk like that, will you,
please" she said, trying to repress
her Involuntary, bitter amusement.
"You must be satisfied to know that
have behaved rightly, according to my
own ideas, as you no doubt have, &C.
cording to yours"
He glanced ut her quickly, with a
rising flush of indignation in his sullen
face. But he was abashed, and had
the sense to say nothing.
II am not going to worry you with
any moralizing, any questions" she
went on, looking at the fire. II would,
Of course, If cared; but I don't.
will do what can for you-take care
Of you till you are better able to go
away. But-but that's ALL
"Then you are not going to make 1t
up againY he whined.
Constance looked at him quickly, and
her eyes filled with tears. If there had
been a spark Of affection in his tone
Of longing for the warmth of his
wife's heart, as distinct from power
over her purse-she would not have
been hard to him. But love for an
other and love returned had made her
clear-sighted.
She shook her head.
mo more than that" she said gen
/ thy.
He kept his head bent for little
while, looking at the fire. Then he
nodded philosophically. After all, he
had outgrown any feeling for his wife
long ago. In the meantime he might
j think himself sure of roof and q
crust as long as she was in an engage
ment.
'sWell, as you like" said he ut last.
Over her face there passed curious
look. In the pause that followed her
own words she had been woman
enough to hope that he was going to
coax, entreat. And she was disap-
pointed.
She rose quickly from her chair.
81 couldn't get another room in this
house," said she. $50 I've got one
next door. But it's poky little place,
not what you would like; SO you can
have mine. will have the one in the
next house. Good night
She waited one moment at the door,
looking at him curiously. He glanced
up.
''Thank you. Good night" said he.
In another moment she was outside
the house. On the opposite side Of the
road q man was standing. He crossed
quickly over to- her.
Constance, want to see you"
"Cyril!'
"oh, my poor child, what an expert
do?" ...ss+ q,
Then he stopped; looking at her In
amazement.
"Why, don't understand. You look
happier than have seen you for ever
so long. Is it possible you care for
for him?'
Constance shook her head, smiling
!, rather sadly.
i 81 wish 1t were possible" she said.
II don't care for him, care for you.
And yet, now that he has come back,
am happier than was before. / am
b thanking heaven that he did come in
time. was not so strong as pre-.
lltended, Cyril. ! was getting afraid."
i But Cyril looked impatient, misera.
Ible.
4 "You have sacrificed your life," said
The, passionately.
"And saved my-what Is it-pride :
a Well, am satisfied, Cyril; a man can
,1never understand q woman; don't
understand myself. But am happier
tonight knowing that am out of dan.
lger, that there Is to be. no more strug-
tlgling and no more questioning"
4 "He will be burden to you as long
las you live"
4 II can't help that"
q Constance. this is quixotism."
y ."Well, ! can't help that, either. Good
hight"
| And she disappeared into the house.
4 When Tom Anderson died, six
months later, Cyril Ardener was al.
tlrendy the husband Of Lillian Fair.
lbr0thsr. But Cons taLcs WAS no: I'm.