Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-12-01

cold. she said:
Still here: I thought YOU would
have been tired of waiting
Hardly daring to believe his ears. he
turned to look ut her. There We're
tears in her eyes and her face was
flushed, but she was smiling.
something very unexpected has
happened" she said. quickly: II Went
to Claude fearing all sorts Of terrible
things. but-but-" And she burst into
tears.
There was no likelihood Of his being
seen. so Captain Herbert put his arm
around his wife, saying. soothingly:
Don't. dear! Try to tell me what
has happened You are historical
upset.
Il am not hySterical." she replied.
drying her tears and removing his arm
from about her waist: but am up
set, though it with JOY. not SORROW.
Neither YOU nor Elsie deserve this
good fortune: but it has come to YOU.
and there is an end of it. Claude has
got it into his head that he is the vic
tim Of his own error. and. in an eN-
cess of remorse for his suspicion of
Elsie and regret for the rash act it led
him to commit. he has sent for her
and is onSe more rcconcilcd to her
What do you think about it:''-and
Judith regarded him seriously and
noted his gravity and pallor.
Il agree with you've don't deserve
our good fortune" he admitted. =
Having escaped the consequences Of
your folly so easily" she continued,
perhaps it will be an inducement for
you to err again. But have told Elsie
that this is her last chance. 1t is i'm
possible that Claude can continue to
be so blindly trusting. and l have de-
termined that 1 will never help to de-
ceive him again. Fortunately. Claude
imagines that you have no idea of his
suspicious so he will never nonplus
you by broaching the subject
And you:" he quericd, duly.
IL have lied to him. she said,
with Il bitter laugh. Il allowed him to
think that it was me to whom you
We're making love that night. But you
can understand the humiliation | felt
at his readiness to believe me-
"Yes-and l am SOrry-more sorry
than | can say-that you should have
had TO Suer for any wrongdoing of
mine"
Il hope you are" she returned.
plucking Il bunch of leaves from the
hedge and playing with them as she
talked. Il am wondering now how
how we shall all feel when gossips
have done with our names. The doc
tor pretendS to believe that Claude shot
himself by accident and l suppose it
will be so given out: but how many
people will believe it. do YOU think?
Considering that was so foolish as to
run away with you. they will hardly
guess at the true state Of aairs: but
Oh, I am tired of thinking about it.
There is one thing'-and she laughed
lightly. looking at his troubled face
"you and Elsie will have to bear curl
Gus locks and questionings as part of
your punishment. shall be safely
home at ClaXton. and out Of sight,
A sol nd like moan Of pain escaped
his lips, and he turned from her AS
he had feared. she intended to leave
him.
Judith looked at her husband. smiled
to herself. and said. softly:
''Wnat was that for. Fred:'
He caught at her hand. saying:
How long is my punishment to
LAST"
punishment. WHO said ANYTHING
tt''Out hllON SOu uc-
serve Il great deal. but shall leave
YOU to your conscience.
But YOU are going home:"
"Of course. l have Il great deal to
do there: besides. it will be best. NV
sister has reminded me that l took
liberty in returning to her home after
clipping from it. Perhaps | did; but.
whether she likes it or not, intend to
remain until Monday for my names
sake. If she objects. shall threaten
to appeal to Claude. Meanwhile. if our
marrigc becomes known. we must
have a good excuse for it,
you may safely trust that to me.
darling'-gravcly. But where am 1
to see you between today and Mon
day?'
Nowhere" -coolly. But on Mon
day you may meet me at the station
and see me off. if you like
ga week"'-and she laughed ironic-
ally. "a year. more likely"
"a year: Good heavens! Do you
think 1 can live without you for a
year? A week will seem an age! Let
me fetch you in week, Judith? Say
Yes darling"
mol will have u month, at the
very least, l am determined" she re-
torted.
And, seeing she was,1 he urged no
more.
She threw away the leaves she had
been playing with and held out her
hand. saying. with Il smile:
Il must go back Goodbye until
Monday"
He took her hand. looking search
ingly into her face.
care you angry with me- Judith? o.
cam angry with you?' she repeat
ed musingly. "No-I fancy not But
don't let me think about it, lest find
7 nave reason to be-"
''That is wtiat | am afraid you will
do when we are parted"
mol promise you"
May kiss you. them
She shrugged her shoulders. so he
took heart and kissed her: then he
said. with some Of his natural daring:
"Aftcr all, you are my wife. and If l
choose to come down ut the end of the
week and insist upon your returning
with me. could do So"
But what II life | should lead you
itrr VOllr iuSiStrlirn" she retOrtcd ug