Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-03-25

settle one or two matters with my con-
science. / wanted to decide whether you
were right or wrong in the accusation
you brought against me. thought
even on that night when we talked to-
gether in the library-that you were
wrong. Do you remember? But the more
l think of it. the more l am certain that
you were right"
She wished that she could stop him,
set her before made it impossible for her
to utter word. He went on:
II acknowledge the truth of everything
that you said to me. l have been harsh,
tyrannical, suspicious, overbearing. My
children did well to distrust my love; it
was not great enough to give them what
they needed. And you were right to re-
proach me-even to despise me, for I had
been wilfully blind to the light that shone
upon me-the light of the star that might
have guided me- 1t does guide me in
spite Of all: it leads me back to yourself.
I come back, Stella, to tell you in all
humbleness and sincerity that see my
error. and that, rs far as it is possible to
me, do repent o. It,"
She forgot that they were in the open
roadway, where travellers might come and
70 ut any moment. With q movement
20 quick that it took him by surprise, she
threw her arms round his neck and looked
into his face.
saOh, Alan, Alan" she said; II have
been AZ blind as you, and far. far more
unjust than you. Did you believe me
when said that my love was dead?
Darling. have loved you all the time.
Oh. 1t is good to have you here, to know
that you are home again, and that you
love me too!'
my star! my blessed guiding starr he
murmured a., for the FIRST time. their lips
met in the loving kiss so long desired
50 long delayed-so perfect when at last
it was given and received. II have
strayed from you too long; heaven help
ing me will never leave you again, never
close my eyes again to your brightness,
you sweet star of my life
CHAPTER XIII.
It was new experience to Molly to
have her fathers arms about her, and
to recognise with a surprise and delight
the love that shone from his eyes, the
tenderness breathing in every accent Of
his voice. 1t was q revelation to her.
She had never known, az she said naive
" to Stella afterward, that her father
"cared 30 much" She was too weak and
languid to talk q great deal; but there
was great comfort for her in the assur-
ance Of his forgiveness, and the kisses
that he pressed on the face of her baby
girl as we'll rs upon her own.
One anxiety alone possessed her. She
found it difficult to speak Of her husband
without tears and agitation, and the sub
ject Of her marriage was therefore 9ener-
ally avoided. But she insisted on begging
her father not to try to see Hannington-
not to take any notice of the past, but to
let her stay quietly at Torresmuir. and
leave him to go his own way.
To Lady Vars observant eye the
change in the relations between Stella
and Alan Moncrieff was very plain. She
saw at once, too, that her own presence
was something of superauity. Molly
was slowly recovering; BERTHE and King
scott were outwardly civil companions to
one another. although no longer friends.
Lady Val felt herself one too many, and
thought it better to announce her imme-
date return to London.
On the second day of her arrival in
town she received a call from Captain
Rutherford. She had written to tell him
that she was returning, and was not Mt
all surprised to see him when he ap-
peared. She noticed that he looked
harassed and anxious, and she FASTENED
to give him, in her usual light and cheer
full way, some reassuring news of Molly,
of whom she felt sure that he wanted
to hear.
Il am glad she is safe at home" he
said at length, with heavy sigh.
$50 am l." said Lady Val, briskly.
But you look dreadfully worried. Char
lie. Anything wrong?"
'It's-John Huntington" muttered
Charlie.
well. what Of him7 Is he not In
Paris?''
mo. worse luck. He's at home az usual
and from what hear he's drinking
himself to DEATH
Drinking! Are you sure?'
"His servant went to Donald vereker a
day or two ago and asked him to get his
master to see doctor. Donald. having
heard of the way in which he had treated
his wife, refused to 60 near him. I loathe
John Harrington with all my heart. 1t
was almost impossible for me to inter-
fere. But did what could"
What did you do, Charlie?''
Il hunted up the doctor that knew
they used to see sometimes. He would
not 50 for long time; he said Il would
b A intrusion. However, I persuaded
him: and he went this afternoon, 40 IL to
pay . friendly call He was admitted.
and he saw John Harrington"
sWellv
He wAS IN very queer state" said
Captain Rutherford. slowly. He Ma