The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-08-12

| es, l know what you'll say but It's so.
l couldn't 90 on being dull, respectable
family man all my life, and after met
Kate had some diversion. You were all
right enough, and you know | was atfec-
tonate-you can't complain of anything,
can you but woman with saucy little
daredevil way like hers, l tell you, takes
mans fancy in spite OF all he can do. She
was more my kind, Anne there's no use
talking. l thought lot of her. II she
wanted diamonds or saddle horse, had
to get them for her. You never cared about
such things, you know, and if she did,
why"
''See here" she interrupted. "You
haven't the slightest conception of any
brutality in what you are saying, l sup.
pose but please spare both her and me the
comparisons. didn't ask for any justif-
cation Of your caring for her. But, if she
loves you, why is she not with you to-
night? Was there not sufficient daredevil
spirit in her to face flight and danger with
you?"
He did not answer at once then he NUT
tered with an attempt at lightness:
"Well, you know, Anne, all women
haven't the grit you have. And she's got
other friends she's too popular to give up
all her chances for one' The bitter curl
OF his lips was hidden by the darkness.
The horses slippery hoofs struggled
over the loose, wet pebbles as they climbed
upward the rain came down suddenly in
torrent with great roar and rush, then,
after few moments, stopped as suddenly,
leaving silence about them but for its re-
treating patter in the ravine below. The
air was suroharged with electricity faint
flashes of lightning had begun to glimmer.
The wife reached over and laid one hand
on her husbands.
Robert" she said softly, II want you
| to remember that one OF two women loved
you. know nothing about the other, and
it does not matter-now. But when you
think of to-night's ride, you may take that
comfort to your soul and you'll IL need CON-
fort some day. 1t is breaking my heart to
let you 90 like this.'
The man made no answer Then sud
denly she drew in the horse till he stumbled
back on his launches.
Listen ~ she cried
Through the stiffness they could hear
new sound, painfully distinct the quick
trot of hoofs and the roll Of wheels over
distant bridge. They listened, breathless,
two interminable minutes.
"My God ~ exclaimed the man. "That's
no country team. They've been to River
ton, and now they're coming over the turn
pike. "I'm done for ~
"No, your re not 1t takes half an hour
to get here from Riyerton. That long
stretch across the meadows and the place
where the road is being mended will put
them back five minutes, too. We're close
to the station now"
Hurry then " But the horse picked
his way slowly down the hill in the dark.
The man was desperately nervous; the
woman calm as il ling into the face of
death
Finally they reached little country
station in the woods, and the woman hand
ed the rens to her companion.
"Give me your valise," she whispered,
land keep well back. II they come drive
away-anywhere. I'll meet them" Then
she walked into the waiting room and
called to the station master, who was talk
ing outside.
''Going away?' he asked.
eyes one ticket to the Junction,
please" He drew it from its place with
maddenng slowness. She tried not to
snatch it as he held it out.
Have time to say good by to my hus-
band before the train goes?' He can't
leave the horse stand"
"Oh, yes that's the whistle, but it's
mile off yet"
She kept the valise in her hand and
walked back to the buggy.
"Here's the ticket, Robert. The mans
/
busy and won't see YOU. Cross the track,
and you can hide in a clump Of bushes till
the train comes. Then swing yourself up
on to the back platform. Quick n'-as he
moved stflly. "John Whiting-don't for
get. Now-oh, Robert, my darling, God
bless you and keep you safe -
Good by, old girl, he returned, kiss
ing her hastily. "You came out fine to-
night. Take care Of the children, and
don't let them hear any more than you can
help. You'll get on all right = and he
sprang away into the darkness.
The train dashed up. She could see him
climb on at its further end, and heard the
thump OF baggage and boxes under the
station masters hands. One sob escaped
her Then with short, sharp puffs the en-
CINE started and the cars dragged out Of
sight.
"Hey, there Stop her, will you?'
called voice from light wagon drawn by
a sweating, galloping horse, as two men
drove up to the platform.
"Too late" answered the station master.
UWhat do won yanto Nou al 4 TRAVELLING