The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-12-15
CHAPTER xxIx.-tCoxr1xuED.)

CHAPTER XXIX.-tCoNT1NuED.
what is that to you?" said he
eoughly. IL have many things to do
which you cannot understand"
"And there are things which can
understand" returned Marjorie quiet
". Then she showed him the letter
which she had received. and asked
calmly, SIS this true?"
Caussidiere took the letter and read
It with a scowl; when he hadIdonc so
he tore it up and scattered the pieces
an the floor.
Leon" said Marjorie, "is it true?''
YES" he returned. MY friend,
Mademoiselle Seraphine, is entertain
ting and my wife is not; when man
has a little leisure. he does not seek
the society of the dullest companion Of
his acquaintance.
He quietly went on eating his break
fast, as if the subject were at an end.
For while Marjorie watched him, her
face white as death; then she went to
him and knelt at his feet.
Leon" she said, in low, trembling
voice. "let us forget the past; maybe
1t has been my fault; but. indeed. 1
never meant it. dear. have been SO
lonely and so sad. and l have been
kept apart from you because thought
you wished it. and-yes-because you
sometimes seemed so angry that
grew afraid!''
She tried to take his hand. but he
thrust her aside.
do you think this is the way to
win me back?" he said: "it is more
likely to drive me away, for, look you,
4 dislike scenes and I have business
which demands that keep cool. There.
dry your eyes and let me finish my
meal in peace"
At that time nothing more was said,
but once he was free of the house,
sCaussidiere reflected over what had
taken place. He was in sore trouble
as to what he must do. To abandon
Marjorie meant abandoning the goose
which laid him golden eggs, for with
out the supplies which Miss Hethering-
ton sent to her daughter, where would
'Caussidiere be?
One afternoon, as he Was about to
return home in no very amiahle frame
OF mind, an incident occurred which
aroused in his mind feeling not ex-
actly of jealousy, but Of lofty moral in
tignation. He saw, from the window
OF shop where he was making pur-
chase, Marjorie and little Leon pass
by in company with young man
whom he recognized at a glance. He
~exept to the door. and looked after
them, scarcely able to believe his eyes.
Yes, it was real! There were Mar
Iorie and little Leon walking side by
side with young Sutherland, his old
bette noir from Scotland.
Half an hour later, when he reached
home, he found Marjorie quietly seated
IN the salon.
s<Leon!" cried Marjorie, startled by
ais manner, sis anything the matter?"
He did not answer, but glared at her
with growing fury.
She repeated her question. He was
still silent. Then, as she sat trembling,
De rose, crossed over, and put his fierce
face close to hers.
Let me look at you. Yes, 1 see.
You are like your mother, the"
He concluded with an epithet too
, coarse for transcription.
She sprang up, pale as death.
What have done?" she cried.
do you think 1 am a fool-blind?
DO you think do not know who it is
you go to meet out there? Speak!
Answer! How often have you met
!him?"
And he shook his clinched fist in h.:
face.
do you mean 1ay old friend, John
nIe Sutherland" she returned. trem-
using. ooh, Leon, was so glad to see
him; he is so kind have known him
SO long. saw him one day by chance,
and since then
yet you said nothing to me-"
lit was often on my tongue. but
gas afraid. Oh, Leon, you are not
.ngry with me for speaking to an old
fiend?"
The answer came, but not in words,
Offering fierce oath, and repeating
the savage epithet he had used before
he struck her in the face with all his
force, and she fell bleeding and swoon.
ing upon the floor.