Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1900-09-06

your confidence. dear. unless you wish
to do SO; but you will pardon me IL
ask you one question:"
ASK what you WILL" she answered.
"It was not Of Harvey Barclay you
we're thinking when I entered?"
"Of Mr.. Barclay7" Simple amaze
emphasized her repetition Of his ques-
tion. "Why should think of him.
she asked. haughtily. mo; II was not
he who occupied my thoughts, though
perhaps they were engrossed with one
'ess worthy"
Forgive me Grace, I forget, per-
haps, that arrogate a right I do not
possess In thus questioning you: but
II was not idle curiosity which prompt
"a me, you will believe that. Let me
- frank with you dear. You will at
lest respect my confidence. When Har-
vey Barclay first entered this house, |
had already conceived against him o
most bitter prejudice. had seen him
among women and / fancied that he
considered theiI but playthings, for
the amusement merely of the passing
hour. Afterwards I was led to believe
that I had done him an injustice: that
OF jealous eyes: that his manner TO
women was naturally tender. almost
caressing. but that no arriere pensee
prompted his gallantry. Had not
thought this would have asked you
not to receive him. But lately his Wis
its have been growing SO much more
frequent, that I have watched him
more closely, and fear, Grace. the old
prejudice Is returning. Certainly none
of the old jealousy was revived, for
Helen, think. rather has avoided him
than otherwise. Dear girl! how sorsly
once misjudged her! How good and
true she is! Oh. Grace, because my
married life Is so happy. I never wish
yours, child. to be less dream of bliss
And + could not help thinking, Pussie.
that Harvey Barclay might be one of
the aspirants to your hand. He has
been so fattered and spoiled by women
that he fancies his attractions irresist-
ible. and certainly his manner. both 20
men and women, Is wonderfully win
ming. But, Grace, rumors have lately
reached me which point to graver,
more serious faults--rumors of large
lost and won at play--of al
spells OF profiigacy aud ruin
OF debts of honor unpa.d--of dishonor-
able devices to raise money! Grace. II
will cause you no pain IL ask him to
his visits here?'
A minute before. and the girl had
listened. softened. and touched and
comforted by the consciousness that
Harry's love and protection still were
hers. as in the old days-a minute be-
fore. and the shadow Of his dishonor
had been hidden by the sunlight of his
presence; but now--now, when he
dared arraign another at the tribunal
before which he himself should stand
when he, who so sadly needed mercy,
dared be merciless-when he could as
sume the role of hypocrite and law
yiver In one--her soul sickened and re-
coiled.
"who are you. that you dare Judge
nim?" she asked. and he shrank from
the cold, harsh sternness OF her tone.
Perhaps he needs your sympathy,
your friendship, to save him from this
rock on which you say his honor is fast
going to pieces! Other men have been
saved by women--why not he? Be-
sides. what you know is rumor. Or.
perhaps, you have been an eyewitness
Of his folly? You have seen him win
and lose large sums OF money at the
table? How came you to be
present at such placer"
Her blue eyes fairly blazed as she
them upon his face. They
we're no longer softened by moisture.
but the lines about her mouth were
stern and unyielding as his own.
A great fear oppressed him. To him
there was but one solution OF her an
ger. His worst fears were confirmed.
She loved Harvey Barclay!
Well. there was but one way. He
must find out more about him. and the
next time confront her with facts, not
suspicious. She could not then refuse
to listen and to heed.
II am sorry, Grace, II I offended
you," he answered, quietly.
How often, as a child, had that same
quiet tone calmed and comforted her!
In the old. childish days she had only
to carry any trouble to Harry to have
1t scattered like the mist the sun dis
pels; and now-and now. the present
was too bitter.
She bent her head upon her hands.
and burst into sobs.
aMy child! Pussie!" he exclaimed.
while he drew her to his breast. For
give me! little dreamed was touch
ing so sore wound"
But she made no reply, and. releas-
ing herself from his embrace. she dart
ed from the room. and UP the stairs to
her own chamber. whose walls echoed
for hours to the sobs which escaped
from her bursting heart. and so at last
restored her to calmness.
CHAPTER TX.
"a dangerous accomplishment--eh.