Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-03-18

barrassment. II hope you are feeling
better?"
Eyes. thank you," said Stella. not dar-
ing to look up. Her color huctuated
sadly.
II have-if you will allow me-a request
to make
"Yes." she breathed, the brightness
vanishing hastily from her face.
Il should like to ask you," said Alan,
to promise me-if you will-to take no
steps without informing mel mean con-
corning the-the proposal you made on
Monday night. You will not leave Tor
resmuir. for instance, without at least
telling me first"
"No." said Stella, family.
when you are stronger" her husband
went on, 1--WE can discuss the matter
further, II you like. But you-you will
not do anything without consulting me
you promise?''
II promise"
THANK you" It was wonderful to
hear with what earnestness he spoke.
"Now, shall feel secure"
But suppose break my promise p
some strange influence prompted Stella
to say. "You trust no one; do not trust
me-
Il would trust you with my life," he
answered, in tone of curious intensity.
My ife-my honor-my ALL have writ
ten toto Molly and Harrington. have
given them the money they wanted. I
thought you might like to know"
And your forgiveness?' said Stella,
quickly.
But to this question she got no answer.
CHAPTER XXI.
Mr.. and Mrs. Harrington found the
check sent by Alan Moncrieff very ac-
ceptable indeed. Most of it went for
John Hannington's delectation, it was
true: but Molly got some sea breezes,
and was glad that her husband was in
better temper than he had been for some
time. They came back to town late in
September, and removed into a small
furnished house which they took for a
few months. BERTHE returned to London
In October, and of course he went to see
his sister; but no condolences passed be-
tween theln-in fact, after while, Molly,
with tears in her eyes. begged him not
to visit her again-John did not like it.
HE is perfect BRUTE" said BERTHE,
recounting this incident to Captain Ruth
erford one evening-without any thought
of breech Of confidence, for by this time
he was in the habit of pouring out all his
thoughts quite freely to his friend. II
wish We had never seen him.
Rutherford did not speak, but he men,
tally re-echoed the wish.
TITS impossible for her to be very
happy with him." BERTHE went on. yehe-
mentiy. "Why. he is away from her
more than half of his time. don't think
London suits her, either. l wish we
could get her back to Torresmuir and
pension him of somehow"
whats that?" said Rutherford, sud.
denly. There was startled look in his
eyes. BERTHE listened. Voices were
heard in the passage, and steps and OPEN
ing doors. Something unexpected had
evidently happened in the house.
Berries landlady now presented herself
with puzzled face.
There's lady wanting to see you.
sir" she said. doubtfuily. and, before she
could explain, Withholding. wet, be-
draggled figure had stumbled rather than
walked into the room. Both young men
sprang to their feet with an exclamation
Of dismay. For It was Molly who stood
before them, and who, after a moment's
pause. threw herself into Bertie's arms
and burst out sobbing upon his shoulder.
i've come to you; had nowhere else
to co." she painted. Hes turned me out
turned me out into the streetv'
"Molly! Not your husbandy
Eyes, my husband" she said, with pas
sionate emphasis. lifting her head and
showing her flushed. wet face: "the hus-
band for whom deceived my father and
left my home! Oh, they can't say that I
have not been punished now!''
She had no hat or bonnet on her head,
and her hair was darkened and straight
ened by the rain-drops that had fallen
upon it. A great-cloak had been wrapped
around her, but, dropping loosely from
her shoulders, it showed that she was in
evening dress-a soft primrose-colored
silk which left her white neck and arms
bare save for some softly clustering laces
and pearl ornaments.
But you have not come like this! You
have not walked" cried BERTHE.
Yes: had no money"
but could have paid cabman at
the door! To think Of your walking
through the streets at this time Of night
like this"
''Oh. its nothing: did not mind that"
said Molly. YEARLY. She disengaged her
arms from her brothers neck and sank
into the nearest chair. Then. for the first
time. she became aware Of Captain Ruth
erford's presence. But nothing seemed
to startle her. She looked mp ct him with
. passionate pleading expression which
struck him dumb. u can't help it!' she