Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1900-10-18
CHAPTER XxIy.

Harry Reynolds handsome face was
very grave as he followed his wife into
their room. szgg
For almost the first time in his we'd
ded life his glance did not rivet itself
upon her beauty; but, throwing him.
self into a chair, he bent his head upon
his breast, shading his eyes with his
hand. H"s
His silence gave Helen needed time.
When at last he raised his head to
look at her, she was calm, composed,
herself again. ~ aa 31F
Your father is dying2", she asked.
II pray not, he replied. "The physi-'
clans think there is a slight change for
the better. They say he has been long
feeble, but has undergone some sudden
shock. Dear father! In the few words
he was able to speak I fear / learned
its cause. He could merely gasp ont a
feeble sentence, but 1t concerned Grace
and a note endorsed with Harvey Bar
clay's name. l did not learn the amount
but 1t must have been large. Helen,
what influence can this man WELD that
Grace should give him money for his
profiigate ends?"
You had better ask her." answered
his wife. Her husband started at the
metallic ring In her tone. "Or, perhaps
] had better enlighten you. She re-
quested me to do so tonight. She is
engaged to Harvey Barclay"
Harry Reynolds sprang to his feet.
Engaged to that spendthrift and
that gambler! What madness has pos
sessed her? And already he makes in
1n
never shall be made!"
Something shall be donei Leave II
to me-" said Helen, with a curious
smile. Grace Hawthorne never shall
become Harvey Barclays wife!" s.y
"Oh. Helen, save her from such fate.
and you will be her guardian angel. as
you have been mine! But are you sure
Of your power to accomplish the defeat
Of this mans plans?"
II am sure Of my power" she an
swered; and again she smiled. Mean
time" she continued, ''say nothing to
Grace. Trust 1t to me-"
my darling. in what things, great or
small. would not trust your" ques-
toned the young husband, tenderly,
rising as he spoke. to bend and kiss the
beautiful woman who had so infatu-
ated him. "And to think" he went on.
that once I was tealous-jealous of
my Helen and this miserable profit
gate! Have you quite forgiven me.
my dear. my foolish madness?"
madness, ineaed!" she answered.
do not let us talk Of It," and she,
shuddcred.
A knock came at the door. Old And
rev opened 1t. 'sA % e.,~z
Supper is served. Mr.. Harry" he
said. Miss Grace ordered 1t prepared
for you."
II had quite forgotten I was hun.
gry!" he exclaimed--"and we have
tasted no food since an early luncheon.
Come. Helen-you must be faint with
exhaustion
Send me up a cup OF tea," she an
swered. II will not go down" aG
The clock was striking midnight as
Harry entered the dining room, and
Grace was seated in her accustomed
place-the place she had never sur
rendered to Helen, despite the 1atter's
avowed intent to occupy it. A new
look Of sadness, new shade Of anxious
thought upon the young, pale face,
swelled Harry's heart to tenderness.
If he could but dissipate this cloud
which, so imperceptibly. had crept be-
tween Grace and himself--if he could
but win her old-time confidence, he
could convince her of the unworthiness
OF this man she had promised to wed.
What has c1me over the child?
He crosse A the room and, bending
over her, took one little, cold hand in
his warm grasp.
~,
he whispered. II am like doubling
Thomas and must needs have con-
firmation from your own lips before 1
can heed the tale"
you speak of my engagement" she
replied. Does 1t surprise you?"
Her tone was light; but, In spite of
herself. her voice quivcred, and his
quick ear detected it.
"Grace!" he said, you are not hap
ry, child. Something is behind all
this-someth.ng you are keeping from
as all. You do not. you can not. love
this man. With all his fascin1tions.
all his subtlety, your heart is tor
| too fresh, too true. not to detec. inC
false ring In his voice, the false look In
his eyes. Grace, dear, you used to
trust me. Won't you trust me still?''
For a moment his voice, ringing hon
est and true, was as the sound of long
lost music. Once more the old faith
rose In her heart.
For moment she was tempted to lay
her tired head on his breast and sob
| out all her doubts of him, and ask him
to dispel them. Then they rose like the
subtle mist about her. and confronted
her with the spectre of their own
proof. This was but part of his acting,
like the rest. Perhaps his eye. like
Helen's had discovered her poor secret.
and he would intrench himself behind
her weakness.