Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1900-10-18
CHAPTER XXJV.

CHAPTER NNIV.
Harry Reynolds handsome face was
very grave as he followed his wife into
their room.
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 ent his head upon
his breast, shading his eyes with his
hand.
His silence gave Helen needed time.
When at last he raised his head to
look at her, she was calm, composed,
herself again.
Your father is dying?" she asked.
"a 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 / fear l learned
it's cause. He could merely gasp out a
feeble sentence, but it concerned Grace
and a note endorsed with Harvey Bar
clay's name. / did not learn the amount,
but it must have been large. Helen,
what influence can this man WELD that
Grace should give him money for his
profigate ends?"
You had better ask her." answered
his wife. Her husband started at the
metallic ring in her tone. "Or, perhaps
1 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
.o..nl Ia.o AID a1~n,lyI ~ xoolr~c tn
roads upon her fortune! Something
never shall be made!"
Something shall be done! Leave 1t
to me-" said Helen, with a curious
smile. "Grace Hawthorne never shall
become Harvey Barclays wife!"
ooh, Helen, save her from such fate,
and you VIII 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 it to me-"
MY darling, in what things, great or
small, would I not trust you?" 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 jealous-jealous of
my Helen and this miserable profit
gate! Have you quite forgiven me,
my dear, my foolish madness?"
Madness, inened!" she answered.
do not let us talk of it," and she
shuddered.
A knock came at the door. Old And
rev opened it.
Supper is served, Mr.. Harry" he
said. Miss Grace ordered it prepared
for YOU"
II had quite forgotten I was hum
gry!" he northumberland 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 viii not go down."
h 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 latter's
avowed intent 70 occupy it. A new
look of sadness, a new shade Of anxious
thought upon the young, pale face,
$500 - AAN"it ~ NCAluCil lCG5s
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 mar she had promised to wed.
What has come over the child?
He crossed the room and, bending
over her, took one little. cold hand in
his warm grasp.
What is this that Helen tells me?s
he whispered. II am like doubling
Thomas, n must needs have con-
frmation from your own lips before /
can heed the tale"
You speak Of my engagement" she
replied. Does it surprise your"
Her tone was light; but. in spite of
herself, her voice quivcred, and his
quick e detected 1t.
"Grace!" he said. you are not hap
py, child. Something is behind all
this-something you are keeping from
us all. You do not. you can not. love
this man. With all his fascina tons
all his subtlety, your heart is tor
too fresh. too true, not to deteu. ,e
false ring In his voice, the false look In
his eye 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! nee more the old faith
rose in her heart.
For a she was tempted to Law
her tired head on his breast and sob
put 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 eve. like
Hclen's had discovered her poor secret.
and he would intrench himselc behind
her weakness.