Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1899-02-18
CHAPTER vi.

CHAPTER vi.
Merriam's intention had been to 60
direct to San Diego. Leaving the ladies
together, after cold and embarrassed
acknowledgment Of Mrs. McLane's
greeting and most unwilling presenta-
ton to "my wife," he hurried into an
other car to be alone and collect his
thoughts. It was shutdown by this
time, and only shutdown. For hours
yet poor Florence might be ut the
mercy OF that merciless woman, who
Merriam now believed could be capable
OF anything. The thought was unbear-
able. From the conductor he learned
that the McLanes were bound for Coro-
nado Beach. and that settled it. Has
tily writing few lines he folded the
paper compactly and walked briskly
back to the Pullman. Both faces light
ed at his coming, Floy's with infinite
relief. Fanny's with laughing triumph.
"Not another moments leave, sir"
cried The latter, until you've explained
where you've been and promised never
again to abandon your beloved. Fancy
n man who would leave his bride within
an hour of their wedding TO go and
smoke among strangers! oh. that re-
minds me. I haven't presented you to
Mr.. McLane. Will you come with me
now?"
Cold refusal was on his tongue, but a
sudden thought struck him. Lead on.
madame-I follow" he said, and rs she
tripped blithely away down the aisle
he quickly turned back, bent, and
printing one long kiss on Floy's troubled
face. hurriedly whispered: "Read
this, darling. I'll be with you in one
moment. and then she cannot remain"
Then calmly and deliberately he fol-
lowed. Mrs. McLane had halted at the
angle OF the narrow passage around the
smoking compartment. and was await.
ing him there. Seeing that, he stopped
short at the portiere, in full view OF
Florence had she looked around, and
bowling. motioned her to proceed. But
she had halted for a purpose and meant
to have her say. Who was II that de.
clared that even at the altar. in her wed.
ding dress, a woman could not forgivs
the rejected lover who had found conso.
lation elsewhere?
"You are TO be congratulated on the
elasticity with which you recover from
even severe attacks, Mr.. Merriam. Your
fever was said to be SUCH"
IT have been fortunate In two recov.
cries, Mrs. McLane," was the cool re.
Spouse. "Now II you are ready to pre-.
sent me to Mr.. McLane, / am at your
service; II not, I desire to return to
my wife,"
The flush that leaped to her face,
the angry light to her eyes she could
neither conceal nor control. For mo-
ment she stood there amazed, enraged
and trembling. then these words burst
from her lips: 81 thought ! loved you,
Randy Merriam-not two months ago
yes, despite everything! Now hate
you'll" And with this melodramatic
speech she impetuously and abruptly
turned, and for the second time took
refuge. dust or no dust. at the rear door.
way. the presentation TO her husband
apparently forgotten. For a proper
and reasonable minute he awaited her
return--then, quickly stepping back,
seated himself by his young wife's side.
His hand sought and found hers; his
fond eyes. eagerly searching, were not
long denied the upward, appealing
glance OF hers. "Did you read? Do
you approve, dear love?" he softly
asked. at would be evaporation to
have to travel on with them. Shall j
wire to Stoneman?"
"Whatever you say, Randy" was the
whispered answer. "Only you won't
have to leave me again. will your"
"Only for an instant, dear, just long
enough to send the dispatch from
Fauntleroy-one station ahead. She
will not trouble you again."
And from Fauntleroy a brief tele-
gram was flashed along the wires to
the post quartermaster at famous old
Arizona station. two hours ride beyond,
and when the brilliantly-lighted train
came steaming up TO the platform
there stood q brace Of officers with well
come In their eyes; and before Mrs.
McLane. once again seated In her Sec
tion and feigning deep interest In her
book. could realize what had happened.
Mr.. and Mrs. Merriam were leaving the
car. he merely raising his hat in civil
farewell-the bride. however. as the re-
suit OF brief conference with her lord,
smiling bravely down into the upturned
face Of their startled neighbor and say
ing: 81 hope you may have a delightful
Journey. Mrs. McLane. Goodnight"
"Why-I thought-surely you told
me you were going to-direct to San
Diego. and had planned to have ever
so long talk with you" and Mrs. Nc
Lane had possessed herself Of that slen-
der hand. and was hanging on suspi-
ciously hard
"Yes, wen be there after little"
was the serene answer. Eve visit old
friends first at Fort Stoneman," md
with that our army girl withdrew her
hand which hypocritical social ethics
prescribed she should extend. She had
even the hsrdIhood 10 glance over her
stylishly-robed shoulder and nod .
CHEEKY. Insouciant farewell to the fair
yet elouded face at the Pullman window.
Verify Floys elasticity was equal 20
her husbands.