Marshall County independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1897-1902, 1900-11-30
CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII
1t was hot August evening, and
after Mollie had heard Hates hymns
and prayers-for which purpose she
always went upstairs after dinner
she took a book and sat at the wide
open window in preference to return
ing to the drawing room. She often
did this now, for lately things had been
worse than ever. Henri more persist
ent. At first Kate tossed about. rest
less with the heat, but at length her
regular breathing showed that she
slept; and Mollie's book dropped un-
needed. as she sat watching the har-
vest lightning flashing across the
darkening sky
She was thinking of Reggie. who
had been obliged to reioin his regiment
in Ireland months ago without say
ing good-by TO her, though he had
brought Joyce up to Chalfont to call
for that purpose. Madame had never
mentioned this. She only heard il
from Joyce later when it seemed too
late to be angry. though she was very
sorry.
She mad missed him dreadfully Rev.
ertOn was not the same place some
how when there was no chance during
their walks and drives of seeing his
tall. upright figure swinging along, but
he used TO send al sorts of messages
through joyce. Re would come back,
81 Il.
Kate, VINO daily grew happier and
more childlike Ms. Anstruther and
Joyce did their best for her: but
madame cut her off from every one,
and lately they had been away, which
was a great matter of regret for il
was something to feel their friendly
presence near. though she was free TO
wander in the woods and fields with
Kate in tleir absence.
The scent OF d cigar, chairs being
dragged along the Families below, and
voices, made her lean further out of
the window Madame and Henri were
evidently sitting there, How clearly
their voices were borne upwards in
the still air-little they guessed how
plainly! Mollie would have moved
away. feeling that she ought not to
listen had she not caught few words;
then she leaned forward with all her
might
Hates money cannot be touched. |
have got all l can-every farthing
literally do not know where to turn for
penny" And madame's voice sound
ed harsh and weary. You must
marry the girl; her fortune will last
you for time. | can do nothing more
yet"
Bah. Marry the grill" He mimiclx-
ed her angrily. 1T is easy to say, but
she will not have me. Truly, me mere,
! have a respect for her more than |
have felt for any woman before. When
l look into those beautiful eyes of hers,
so young, so frank. | want her as |
have wanted no one else. Were she
my wife l could trust her absolutely;
| would even try to be a good hus-
band"
"You love heri" madame said jeal-
ously.
There, now, you will upbraid me
for thati" he sneered. But she will
never have me, she adores that An
struther; they love in English fashion.
You may give up all hopes of bend
ing la belle Mol-lee to our will unless
you can get her away from Reverton.
Come to Paris"
Il cannot. You know by your
uncle's will l am obliged to live at
Chalfont with Kate Oh. II l could
only get away from the place-get
away" And her voice rose with
strange trembling intensity that was
almost wall.
There. do not begin that" he NUT
tered, with callOus Impotence. ITO
continue from where we started, |
must have money, You have large
sums for both girls"
You have had most of it." she re-
torted. las also that large sum
through your uncle's check"
Hush, We need not speak of that
You have been ever the best of moth
ers, as also the handsomest"
"Ah. Henri. my son, you are my ALL"
she said, in softened voice "All |
want is your love, and now you would
care more for this girl. Now, listen,
you must marry her, for in that way
can assure your fortune. True, her
fortune is not so large as Kate's, but
did anything happen to the child she
would have all. Kate is very delicate.
Any one can see that. And 1t would
surprise no one II. after your marriage,
she did not live long"
There was a moments silence. The
listener above started and clenched her
hands. A match was struck. Henri
was evidently lighting a fresh cigar
Then his high voice said lightly:
"Ah. ma belle mere. you are clever!
That Is certainly to be considered. l
had thought oi 1t also!"