Rocky Ford enterprise., 1899-01-12

"oh. Paul. dear. do help me b ges
rid OF this stupid man! I'm tired to
death Of him. and he won't leave mo.
You look tired yourself. and rs II you
had quite enough of the festivity."
II was thinking of going home. Arc
you ready to come. Elder"
"Quite. Let us start ut once: I'm SC
glad ! met you, Paul"
Bidding her cavalier an unceremon-
ious adieu, she put her hand within my
arm and we walked home across the
fields, leaving the pony trap for Helen
to order whenever she liked.
The hours went by. Edie and din
ed tete-a-tete. made music together.
took moonlight stroll to the river.
still Helen did not return. At last
some time after midnight. We heard
the sound OF approaching wheels. and
presently she entered. with glowing
cheeks and glittering eyes. escorted by
Sir William Hernshaw. who she In
formed us had persuaded her to remain
to dinner at the Grange. where they
had had such a delightful dance after
wards; then, with a careless nod to me
and Edith, and a whispered good night
to her escort, she went straight to be-
stood rooted to the spot staring after
her. until Edith's soft palm was passed
pityingly over my hand. her lips. close
to my ear, murmured soothingly:
II am so sorry-so sorry. dear boy.
but you must make excuses Tor heT'
she Is young. you know. and from her
bringing up does not understand the
usages Of society. II you like I'll give
her hint tomorrow that English gen.
tlewomcn do not do those things. Shr
means no harm, I'm sure"
could have no explanation with
Helen that night, for, when l went up
to her room, she was sleeping heavily;
and the next morning she rose at day
break. and did not appear ut breakfast
When returned from the club NJ
Shorten. found Edith established NJ
the tea table with her dainty work
strewn round her. waiting to pour out
my tea. Just as had pictured her. with
timid rapture, hundred times during
the months had courted her SO rev.
crently: and my wife sitting under Il
tree on the lawn facing a window. jim
cuddled up In her arms. and Sir VIII
liam Hernshaw's bold dark eyes look
ink into hers with undissuised admira
| tion.
started from my seat with sudder
desire to kick him then and there ou
of my grounds, when Edith. divinins
my movement. interposed.
paul. Paul, for heavens sake re-
strain yourself! Think of the shame
the scandal that would follow; and sh'
means no harm. I'm sure. Oh, indeed
I'm sure of that. I've not had thu
opportunity yet of speaking to her
| but
DO not seek the opportunity" in
| terrupted fiercely; lit would be OF NJ
use, I will speak to her; but thinl
she must be losing her head. l can
make out what possesses her. mar
ried. as | thought, a harmless. snno
cent child-married her through
pity, generosity. through the no
blest spirit of self-sacrifice. oh. l gues
the story of your courtship and you
marriage, my poor Paul! / hav'
guessed it some time. and 1t has no
helped to make my lot lighter, to rec
oncile me to what I lost in losing thu
the love of one Of the truest. mobiles
-ah, what am | saylng-what am
saying?" she cried. covering her fac
with her hands and shrinking from me
When l see you treated like this. L
can't help it, my heart speaks out Oh
go away-go away! Do not look al me
please"
was about to leave the room whel
a servant entered and handed Inc
letter. After reading it, laid 1t 81
lently before my companion. Wher
she had read she turned to me will
burning face and sobbed family:
"I wish I were dead-oh. I wish
were dead"
Hush, hush" I whispered; you
you must not say that! Tonight, Edie
it must be-"
She shivered.
"You-you will be with me, Paul
You will be with me, Paul? You will
not leave me?"
(To be Continued.)
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