The morning news., 1897-04-18

arms like a monkeys. But his cottage
had such disadvantages; and there was
no mighty fOur-poster bed there or black
oak panels, and no parlor worth mention
inS, and no garden--only a square yard
with one rose tree in it and a pigstye
and little tar-smelling place where Dick
kept hooks and lines and nets. These
surroundings seemed so low contrasted
with THE Trawler's Rest"
Dick even hung great split pollocks out
side his windows to dry, and she knew he
would continue to hang them there after
marriage if he chose. He was masterful,
and she felt he would have his own way.
Yet that had been in his favor rather than
not. Women and dogs respect the strong
hand and like a leaven of fear to their
love. She felt, after all. that the husband
himself must be the leading figure in her
welded life. Oak panels on the walls, or
even full purse, were not so important
as the man. That decision was well
enough and wise, only she had come upon
it too late. She had been wrong; Dick
was no vision at all, he was real flesh and
blood, well put together, and now she felt
she loved him--loved the outside of him at
any rate.
Mlly did not intend speaking before her
uncle. She felt that long explanation
would be needed. She must tell Dick of
the mistake she had made and her prom
ise to a dying soul. She must hear if
he thought she might change her mind at
this juncture, and if he thought so he
must stand up for her and fight her bat
tie.
i've much to say and I'll give you
final answer on Sunday, Dick Wen go
out walking up to the moors and the
Lovers Stone. Then I'll tell you the
truth"
SO be it," said Dick uneasily. He fear
ed that she was waiting to know how 1t
went with Mother Macklehose. 80 be it,
then. I'll meet you on Sunday up to the
tin mine workings at the Lovers Stone. d"
1t was agreed, and presently Dick took
his leave and Milly went to bed.
Then Chance thrust in her finger and
tangled the skein of those three interested
lives. Mother Macllehose was somewhat
better after her interview with Milly, and
her son presently left her awhile with a
cottage woman, who had come to sit up
through the night.
lie could not sleep, and knowing that
Milly's uncle used to sit late over his rum
and water, he strolled around presently
to the little cottage on the quay to find
out whether Milly had told Mr.. Pritchard
the great news. He came full of one
thought, which for the time shut even his
mother out of the front place in his mind;
he came full of vast happiness, chas-
tened only by his parents grievous condi-
ton. And presently he went home again;
but the joy had gone out of him then.
Old Pritchard was pleasant enough, for
he liked MaclIlehose well, but he rather
feared the interview, for Millys was the
Beasts sole topic of conversation at most
times, and that night he cared not to
speak of her. But the elder man felt re-
lieved at once, for Macklehose's first
word seemed to suggest that he knew the
truth.
80 Millys made choice at last" he
said, sitting down and loading his pipe
why, to be sure. I think she have
John. Dick was in here tonight a-askin
other 30 choose final, and ups and sez
as thought 'twere ripe time she done So
'1is ard on both of you, and I'm main
sorry as you've lost-main sorry"
"Lostr'
''Wen. one of YOU ad to. Dicks a goin'
to ear the last word on it Sunday next up
to the Lovers Stone There 'e's to meet
Milly and twill be yes John. seen it
in her eyes tonight"
Tonight, Mr. Pritchard?"
For certain. She loves Dick, my son
and him as she loves she'll wed. Her own
ways the only road for her. Once her
minds fixed, then she'll never change no
more for nought"
The Beast sat in shadow, and the speak
er could not see his face. Had he done
so, old Pritchard, sleepy and stupid though
he might be as a rule, must have noted
something wrong. The mans brow was
wrinkled, his eyes glowing, his face pale
and wet with perspiration. Presently he
got up, declined the rum and water offered
and went home. He turned at the door
and spoke a last word.
Don't say as I've been along with you
tonight gaffer. 'Twould worry Milly
maybe. On Sunday, then, we shall hear
the news"
He went out madman, but the night air
cooled him; the moon on Polglaze harbor
spoke of peace and truth to him, the voice
of the wind rebuked him for his unbelief
What could be clearer? AIilly was going
to gently break her decision to Dick, away
on the moor, where no man would have
the chance to see Dicks grief. He told
himself so again and again; but the devil
of doubt was reused, and not to be laid by
words, nor yet moonlight It sat at his
bed foot that night and tormented him.
It laughed at his ape-like arms and big
head; it gibbered and jeered and kept him
awake. Then, in the early dawn, he was
called to his mothers deathbed, and saw
the old woman fight her last battle and
presently pass in peace away.