Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1900-09-21

had; have lost my position, I have
sisked my life"
II dop't understand you," said Miss
Murdoek. looking at him in astonish-
ment.
"Your father would" be replied.
huskily, ut was he egged me on to
this, he promised me that you would
have me"
MY father promised"
eyes, your father; and, by c."
Chatham. who was growing more and
more excited, brought down his
clenched fist upon table near which he
stood, and with an evident effort re-
pressed the oath which rose to his lips.
Miss Murdoch. startled and bewildered,
observed him in speechless amazement.
After momentary struggle, the ao-
countant suddenly broke forth in pite-
ous pleading:
II don't ask much now. Tell me only
one thing and l shalltgo away content
for the present. Say that no other man
has any better chance with you than l
have. Say that you do not love anyone
else"
The young girl tried hard to avoid
his ardent gaze.
"Say It'll" he commanded, in sudden
sternness.
Agnes drew herself up proudly then.
II don't know by what right you pre-
sumo to catechise or to command me-"
she said, coldly, at the same time MAX
ing motion as if to touch the button
Of the electric bell.
Chatham saw the motion and sprang
before her to interceptit.
"Ah! that is the way of it, is it?" he
exclaimed, with passionate jealousy.
"You are-in iove-with another mani"
The words seemed to choke him in
The utterance. The blood rushed to his
head; the veins on his Ntemples stood
out in purple vividness, and, as he
clutched spasmodically at his collar,
wild light came into his eyes.
Agnes caught their mad glitter and
shrank back in sudden terror.
IT have been dupedl" he shouted,
frantically. 81 have been cat's-paw,
and now that have done all that was
wanted of me am to be turned off
like dog, with kick. The dirty work
is done. is 1t? Well see about that;
Well see what your father has to say.
But. at any rate, you can be sure of one
thing"
His voice sank to hoarse whisper
and the words fell with impressive dis
tinctness:
"If I don't marry you, no one ever
shalt"
AS he spoke he leaned forward upon
the table which stood near him, and
his fingers closed nervously upon the
handle of a jeweled paper knife. There
was murder in his eye at that moment,
and the frightened girl quailed be-
fore it.
Suddenly her ear caught the sound Of
footsteps in the hallway. She opened
her lips to cal. for help, but before she
could utter sound the door opened, re-
| yealing the anxious face of the house.
maid, who had heard enough to realize
that it was time to interrupt the tete-
| a-tete without further ceremony.
"Mr. sprague, miss" she an
nounced, with comforting nod at her
young mistress, whose pale face and
frightened eyes had not escaped her at
| tention.
Sprague stood on the threshold in
evident embarrassment, looking from
Agnes to Chatham, and uncertain how
| to act.
II fear am intruding, Miss Muir
Dock" he said at last; your maid
told me she thought you could re-
ceiye me. Perhaps would better call
again"
"No, no, Mr.. sprague," replied the
young girl, effusively, coming toward
him with outstretched hands; 81 am
SO glad to see YOU" And then, observ-
Ing his inquiring glance toward
Chatham, II think" she added, cold
ly. that this gentleman has said all
that he has to say to me-"
Chatham's excitement had subsidized;
in the reaction, he seemed i'll and
weak and he nervously clenched his
tremulous right hand.
II will wait to see DR.. Murdoch"
he said, doggedly, in low voice.
<AS you PASnSCp ASPACo 6hB ASSs dAV-
er slight hesitation. "Mary, show
Mr.. Chatham to the Doctors study"
AS the accountant followed the serv-
ant from the room, blank despair was
stamped in every feature, and It
seemed to Sprague, as the door closed,
that he heard something like con-
vulsive sob.
Unconsciously Agnes had chung to
Sprague's hand. Now, as the sense of
danger disappeared, she became
aware Of what she was doing; and, in
sudden embarrassment, she with
drew her hand from his reassuring
clasp.
The artist. recalling the object of
bis visit, at once became grave and
formal.
IT am sorry to intrnde upon you at
this unconventional hour, Miss Muir
dock, but ! found this letter in my
studio to-day. 1t was evidently
dropped by you yesterday; and,
thinking it might be important, IL"
"A letter? What letter." asked
Agnes, puzzled.
Sprague held out the sealed envel-
ope. The young girl tore it open and
cast hurried glance at its contents.
Then suddenly understanding, she
tore the paper to shreds and threw
Al =