Rocky Ford enterprise., 1897-12-23

CHAPTER XXXIv.-fCoNTINuEp
He knew that at that hour Marjorie
would be from home, wandering in the
fields, perhaps. with her little boy. or
visiting some of her old village friends.
Feeling strong in this hope, he hurried
on toward the Castle.
He found Miss Hetherington alone.
She was glad to see him, but rated him
soundly on what she termed his neg
lect.
ut is not for me to control ye II ye
dinna wish to come. Johnnie Suther-
land" she said. You're your own
master, and ye can gang your own
gait, but it's scarcely fair to Marjorie.
She's lonesome. poor lassie, and she
takes 1t i'll that ye come so seldom"
Miss Hetherington," returned Suth-
erland, Il stayed away not because I
wished, but because / took too much
pleasure in coming love Marjorie.
I've loved her ever since l was lad,
and I shall love her till die.
couldn't come before. knowing she had
husband: but it's for you to say now
whether may come in or not"
For me? What do you mean, John
ME Sutherland"
For answer he put both the letter
and paper in her hand. and bade her
read, She did read; eagerly at first,
but as she proceeded her hand trem-
bled. the tears streamed from her eyes
and the paper fell from her grasp.
God forgive me-" she cried: Its
an evil thing to rejoice at the death
of a fellow-creature. yet l Gamma but
rejoice. He broke the heart of my poor
BARN. and he tried to crush down me.
but Heaven be praised! we are both
free now. Johnnie Sutherland. you say
that you love her? Weel, I'm glad.
You're good lad. Comfort her II you
can, and may God bless ye both"
That very night Marjorie learned the
news from Miss Hetherington. The old
lady told 1t with ring of Joy in her
voice. but Marjorie listened with
shudder. After all, the man was her
husband. Despite his cruelty. she had
once almost loved him: and. though she
could not mourn him as n widow
should, she tried to respect the dead.
But 1t was only for while: then the
cloud lifted, and she almost thanked
God that she was free.
Sutherland now became constant
visitor at the Castle. and sometimes 1t
seemed to him and to Marjorie also
that their early days had returned; the
same. yet not the same. for the old
Castle looked bright and genial now,
and 1t was. moreover. presided over by
bright. genial mistress.
Things could not last thus forever.
Marjorie knew It: and one evening she
was awakened from her strange dream.
She had been out during the afternoon
with her little boy. and as they were
walking back toward the Castle they
were Joined by Sutherland. For time
the three remained walking together,
little Leon clinging on to Sutherland's
hand: but after while the child ran
on to pluck some flowers. and left the
s,fo together.
How he loves your said Marjorie,
noting the child's backward glance; 81
don't think he will ever forget the ride
you gave him on the roundabouts at
the Champs Elysees-you were very
kind to him: you were very kind 30 us
bOth."
She paused. but he said nothing:
saw that he was looking axedly at her.
She blushed and turned her head aside,
but he gained possession Of her hand.
Marjorie" he said. you know why
was kind to you. do you not? 1t was
because I loved you. Marjorie. l love
you now-I shall always love you: tell
me, will you some day be my wife?"
The word was spoken, either for good
or evil. and he stood like man await
ins his death sentence. For time she
did not answer: when she turned her
face toward him 1t was quite calm.
Have you thought well?" she said.
81 am not what I was. I am almost
an old woman now. and there is my
boy
Let him be my boy. Marjorie. do not
say Nor"
She turned toward him and put both
her hands in his.
Il cay Yes" she answered. with
all my heart, but not yet-not yeti!
Later on that evening. when little
Leon lay peacefully sleeping in his cot.
and Miss Hetherington was doing in
her easy-chair. Marjorie. creeping from
the house. walked in the Castle grounds
to think over her new-found happiness
alone. Was It all real. she asked her.
self. or only dream? Could II be true
that she, after all her troubles. would
find so much peace7 1t seemed strange.
yet 1t must be true. Yes. she was free
at last.