The herald., 1898-12-04

ishment.
ION account of the ooldness toward
us tonight. The church people do not
approve Of our marrying so soon after
Mr.. Menefee's death. and they must be
pacifed. If we go away-turn our
backs on them for q pleasure trip-it
will make them disapprove all the
more. We were. you know, about to
close the trade on the parsonage, and
now that am to live in 1t, am afraid
IL we go away the matter will be
neglected and the house will be bought
by some one else. No, we simply must
stay. We can have our bridal trip
later"
Are you afraid of what they will
say?" he found courage to ask.
Afraid? Why, how absurd" Her
laugh was too merry to fall harmoni-
ously into it's setting.
Then we go, as we planned, to visit
my people," he replied firmly.
She laid her hand on his arm.
Now, do be sensible" she said in the
business-like tone he had admired so
much before they We're married, but
which was now, for its lack of senti-
ment, repugnant to him. "It would
never. never do! They are all against
us, except Mrs. Wittelind, and IL our
backs are turned. they will have the
opportunity to talk us over. and work
themselves into fever of opposition.
You don't know them as I do"
The formulation of his reply led him
to the very precipice of absolute doubt
in her honesty. The spell Bates had
thrown around him was fastening it,
self upon his being.
1--WE won't run from anything, unless
you really do fear them," he said, half
resentfully-"unless there Is actual
reason-actual reason. I say"
She looked him steadily in the eyes
| for moment: then she said:
"My God! I'm beginning to believe
you doubt me. Mr.. Bates has made
you do so. Answer me. has he not?"
'T did not exactly like the way he
talked"
"He accused me?" her eyes had
cold, steady gleam in their depths. and
she frightened her hand, which held her
handkerchief.
"No, not openly-it was because-be-
cause he did not say more in your de-
fense."
The woman deliberated q moment o-
gave herself the appearance of one
deliberating.
| DuTllnE, STe Saiiu, hii Soii, W
show YOU something I thought 1t
would never be necessary, but you, like
all other men, are distrustful, and re-
quire proof. All this time l have been
happy in your perfect trust in me, but
see now that shall have hard time
keeping you on my side, but I can't
blame you-you are a man." She went
to a writing desk in the corner, and
from pigeonhole took n package Of
old letters. Untying the package, she
selected one, which she opened and
steadily held before his eyes. 1t waa
signed by Jason Bates, and was dated
just two days after Murray was born.
1t was an ardent declaration of love.
accompanied by a proposal Of mar
riage.
Mrs Murray studied his changing
face as he read, and when he lowered
the letter and looked into her eyes, she
said impressively:
II rejected him then, and he has
never forgiven me. He hates me now
for marrying you. Wait! no. have not
finished" She held UP her hand to
prevent the preacher from speaking,
and turning to the desk again, she
! found another note and held it toward
her husband.
Read that" she said. "Mr. Bates
sent me that two weeks ago. AS you
see, it is a proposal to visit me with
matrimonial intentions. Ask yourself
if he would want me to marry him If
he really thought me IA common
thief"
The paper fell from the preachers
hand. His fears and doubts had flown.
His manner toward her was now rev.
4. Z
stood before him like wall Of black
stone.
Forgive me-" he cried. FOR God \
sake, forgive me! I have been mad.
I'll die for you-do anything you wish"
(TO BE CONCLUDED.)
| COPYRIGHT. 1893. BY THE INTERNATIONAL LIT.
| ERARY AND NEWS SERV1CEJ