Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1900-10-18
CHAPTER xx1y.

CHAPTER XXIV.
Harry Reynolds handsome face was
very grave as he followed his wife into
their room.
Tor almost the first time in his we'd
ded life his glance did not rivet itself
upon her beauty; but, throwing him
self into chair, he bent 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.
81 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
it's cause. He could merely gasp out
feeble sentence, but it concerned Grace
and note endorsed with Harvey Bar
clay's name. I 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
profligate ends?"
You had better ask her." answered
metallic ring in her tone. COR, perhaps
I 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
roads upon her fortune! Something
never shall be made!" ea
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 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 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, indeed!" she answered.
sDo 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" ~
Il 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."
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 latter's
avowed intent to occupy it. A new
look of sadness, a 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 unworthfness
of this man 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?"
he whispered. 81 am like doubling
Thomas, and must peeds have con-
flrmation from your own lips before
can heed the tale" 4
You speak of my engagement? p she
replied. docs 1t surprise you?"
Her tone was light; but, in spite Of
herself. her voice quivcred, and his
quick ear detected It. IS
"Grace!'' he said. "you are mot hap
py, child. Something is behind al
this something you are keeping rom
us all. You do not, you can mo-, I've
this man. With all his fa1cifet f0is,
all his subtlety. your heart isftoo pure
too fresh, too true, not 10 detect tias.
false ring in his voice, the false sl00k a.
his eyes. Grace, dear, you used "a
trust me. Won't you trust me X 4
I. For q moment his voice. fingin hon
est and true, was he the sound of long
Lost music. Once more the Old faith
rose IN her heart. ;,is q *.
Fl For moment sic ives temp ted 10 lay
her tired head On his breast and soh
+ out allsher doubts 81 him, ana aalt hin,
- dispel them. Then they rose Ike the
subtle mist shout her, ana confro4tet
her With, the 6rectre Of their Owl
proof. Tkis va but part ~ his artlng
like the rest. Perhsps his eye. Tx
| Helen;a had discovered her poor secret
and no would intranph himself behint
Liner wse lknes IL, /,