Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1900-09-06

your confidence, dear, unless you wish
to do so: but you will pardon me If I
ask you one question:"
"Ask what you WILL" she answered.
"It was not of Harvey Barclay vol,
were thinking when I entered?"
"Of Mr.. Barclay?" Simple amaze
emphasized her repetition Of his ques-
ton. "Why should think Of him?"
she asked, haughtily. "No; it was not
he who occupied my thoughts, though
perhaps they were engrossed with one
less worthy"
"Forgive me Grace! I forget, per-
haps, that I arrogate a right do not
possess in thus questioning you; but
it was not idle curiosity which prompt
ed me, you will believe that. Let me
be frank with you, dear. You will at
lest respect my confidence. When Har-
vey Barclay first entered this house, l
had already conceived against him a
most bitter prejudice. had seen him,
among women, and fancied that he
considered them but playthings, for
the amusement merely of the passing
hour. Afterwards I was led to believe
that had done him an injustice; that
had viewed him through the medium
Of jealous eyes; that his manner to
women was naturally tender, almost
caressing, but that no arriere pensee
prompted his gallantry. Had not
thought this I would have asked you
not to receive him. But lately his Wis
its have been growing so much more
frequent, that I have watched him
did
prejudice is returning. Certainly none
Of the old jealousy was revived. for
Helen, think, rather has avoided him
than otherwise. Dear girl! how sorely
I once misjudged her! How good and
true she is! Oh. Grace, because my
married life is so happy, I never wish
yours, child, to be less dream of bliss!
And I could not help thinking, Pussie,
that Harvey Barclay might be one of
the aspirants to your hand. He has
been so flattered and spoiled by women
that he fancies his attractions irresist-
ible, and certainly his manner, both to
men and women, Is wonderfully WIN
ming. But, Grace, rumors have lately
reached me which point to graver,
more serious faults-rumors Of large
amounts lost and won at play-of al
ternate spells of profligacy aud ruin
of debts of honor unpaid-of dishonor-
able devices to raise money! Grace, it
will cause you no pain if I ask him to
discontinue his visits here?"
A minute before, and the girl had
listened, softened, and touched, and
comforted by the consciousness that
Harry's love and protection still were
hers, as in the old days-a minute be-
fore, and the shadow of his dishonor
had been hidden by the sunlight of his
presence; but now-now, when he
dared arraign another at the tribunal
before which he himself should stand
when he, who so sadly needed mercy,
dared be merciless-when he could as
sumo the role of hypocrite and law
giver in one-her soul sickened and re-
coiled.
"Who are you, that you dare judge
him?" she asked, and he shrank from
the cold, harsh sternness of her tone.
perhaps he needs your sympathy,
your friendship, to save him from this
rock on which you say his honor is fast
going to pieces! Other men have been
saved by women-why not he? Be-
sides, what you know is rumor. Or,
perhaps, you have been an eyewitness
of his folly? You have seen him win
and lose large sums Of money at the
gaming table? How came you to be
present at such place."
Her blue eyes fairly blazed as she
fastened them upon his face. They
were no longer softened by moisture,
but the lines about her mouth were
stern and unyielding as his own.
hi h
there was but one solution of her an
ger. His worst fears were confirmed.
She loved Harvey Barclay!
Well, there was but one way. He
must find out more about him. and the
next time confront her with facts, not
suspicious. She could not then refuse
to listen and to heed.
IT am sorry, Grace, If I offended
you" he answered, quietly.
How often, as child, had that same
quiet tone Gained and comforted her!
In the old, childish days she had only
to carry any trouble to Harry to have
it scattered like the mist the sun dis
pels; and now-and now, the present
was too bitter.
She bent her head upon her hands,
and burst into sobs.
"My child! Pussie!" he exclaimed,
while he drew her to his breast. "For-
give me! little dreamed was touch
ing so sore a wound!"
But she made no reply, and, releas-
ing herself from his embrace, she dart
ed from the room, and up the stairs to
her own chamber whose walls echoed
for hours to the sobs which escaped
from her bursting heart, and so at last
restored her to calmness.
CHAPTER TX.
"a dangerous accomplishment-eh,
Pussie?" called Harry Reynolds, one
afternoon, a few weeks later, as he