Marshall County independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1897-1902, 1900-12-07
CHAPTER VIII.-(Continued.1

you. love you aWIully. i nave just
-un over on the chance of seeing you,
because 1 could not stay away any
longer. And | hate to think of you
here with these people. Won't you
look at me? Do"
A most persuasive voice was Reg
gie's; but Mollie's eyes were fixed on
the point of her shoe. and she put her
hands behind her when he attempted
10 take them
Give me time to think she whis-
pered in subdued tone. Il can hardly
believe that you are here. How did
you find me-"
Saw the Dubois il town, but they
did not see me. Rode straight on and
met the little kiddie, who brought me
here. Told her that I wanted TO speak
10 you very particularly alone; and she
flew off and promised to keep watch
for the return of the enemy" said Reg
gle briefly.
Dear little Kittie,"
Won't you say. Dear Reggie too,
MOllie?" he suggested, cycling her visit
fully. I have come all the way from
Ireland to ask you" Then, as she
flashed quick. half-smiling glance at
him, he added. She who hesitates is
lost Silence gives consent How
usefully these ancient cOpybook say
ing come in in ones old age, don't
they"
They certainly seem to-" allowed
Moliie hesitatingly.
And as there seemed no opposition
offered 10 the arm Reggie had stolen
round her. il stayed there, while, two
not being able to sit with any comfort
IN an American cane chair, they re-
paired to the rustic seat, and were as
happy and forgetful of the world as
mortal lovers could be for the next half
hour. as they sat in the sunshine. in
the sDringtime of youth, hope, and
love.
Oh Resgie-Madam Dubois" ex-
claimed the girl at length. She will
never. never consent; she means me
10 marry Henri"
Then We will pay Henri's country
the compliment Of taking French leave.
my dear child he returned gaily.
But she shook her head
shall be of age in is months" she
said shyly.
Eighteen centuries, Why, | hate
20 leave you here now"
And | could not leave my Door lit
tie Kittie." she exclaimed. raising her
eyes to his deprecatingly. by then |
hope she Will be better, stronger. Oh.
Reggie, couldn't you bargain with them
TO give me kittie? 1t would be so
cruel to leave her; you cannot think
how loving, how true to me the little
pet is" And she poured into his ear
all that she had overheard that hot
evening at the window.
Reggie's face grew very pale as he
listened, and he gave low whistle of
dismay; but whatever he thought he
was TOO wise TO make his sweetheart
more uncomfortable than she already
was. But she had to promise that on
no account would she even listen to
Henri, against whom Reggies senti-
ments were far from peaceful. and
that if matters became worse she
w e.
whittier his mother returned in a
weeks time. And then Kate came run
ming back to announce her aunts re-
turn.
On, Reggie," calculated Mollie. ris-
ing, and turning very pink.
Sit down, child" he said CALMLY
dragging her back to his side, and TAX.
X at
come"
Kate pushed back her curls and re-
garded him with a frown. She was
very fond of Reggie, but He under
stood the look, read the dawning jeal-
ousy OF any one coming between MolIie
and herself, in those sharp hazel eyes
which had already discovered the
truth; and as this tall, merry young
officers heart was as tender as a girls
towards those he cared for, he FASTENED
to dissipate it.
You are going to be my sister, kid
lng," he said gently.
Il know" she answered. with tremb.
ling lips. You will take her away
But she tells me she cannot be
uhppy WlIHOuI you, so we shall have
TO manage for you to come, too" he
continued. Now if you think thai
will be jolly. and we shall be the bes1
brother and sister going, never zeal
Gus of each other. signify the sam.
In the usual manner by a kiss" AnC
he was more touched than he liked Il
show when the little girl threw he
arms round his neck in a transport o
relief, happily unconscious of the OBJ
stacles that might come ia their way.
1t was this group that madame, fol
lowed by her son. came in sight of
and great was her wrath. Nor was i
On any way Modified when Mr.. An
struther advanced politely, and, afte
the usual greetings, informed her tina
Miss L'Estrange had promised to b.
his wife, and he trusted that he shout,
have her consent; he was sure OF tina
of the trustees, who were old friend
Of his fathers. Madame was YER
suave at first, though Mollie knew tn
effort it must have cost her. She I'm
derstoOd the firmly-shut mouth, tn
half-opened eyes; but. suave or not
she managed to convey plainly Der de
sfsion. She not only could not sane
don the engagement, but Mis-
DEstrange must be considered quit
free.
Il don't wish to be free" said Molli
bodily over his shoulder CT have rive