The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1900-04-20
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A Romance...By Hannah B. Mckenzie.
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CHAPTER vi.

Sne rang the Dell, and tea soon ap-
peared. While she was attending to it
the others talked; but Ms.snus, COM
ing to her side, helped her at the tea
table. The voices Of the other two
grew lower. For moment they hardly
rose above a whisper. When tea was
handed round the conversation became
more general, and turned on Evans
accident. Presently Miss Stuart asked:
"And how muco longer are you to
remain at Abbots Head?"
Il have already trespassed too long
on the hospitality of DR.. Halcrow,"
said Evan. Il was thinking of leaving
tomorrow" He glanced at Magnus,
who sat strictly silent.
"And you are going to Stromness
them" asked Lilith.
When Lilith rose presently, both
young men stood Up. She glanced up
at Magnus.
"Would it be too much to ask you to
bring my machine round, DR.. Halcrow?
And you are going little bit of my
way. are you not?"
II am going to Borenow," Magnus
replied briefly. He turned and left the
room.
Lilith babe Day goodbye with her
usual languid grace; then she turned
to Evan.
"You will see me to my machine?"
she said, in low voice. THAT is all
will ask of you"
Evan bowed and followed her. On
the doorstep they stood for few mo-
ments, conversing in low tone. They
were there when Magnus brought
round Lilith's machine. The face of
the Doctor looked darker than Evan
had yet seen it as he glanced at them.
II am at your service, Miss Stuart"
+ he said, coldly, removing his cap.
Thank you," said Lilith. She did
not offer her hand to Evan, but, saying
In low voice, Remember" she went
forward to take her machine from Mag
nus hand, then, putting her foot on the
pedal, she was Off
Magnus was leaning on his handles,
his brow drawn in dark frown. He
did net follow Lilith Immediately,
though she glanced round to see if he
was following, but paused for a mo-
ment by tie step on which Evan was
standing.
Then he spoke, without lifting his
eyes from his handle bars:
"You have been under my roof for
week, Mr.. Monteith. Were there the
same occasion again, should ask you
to remain under it as l did before.
Were you my greatest enemy 1 should
do the same.
But 1 thought you would act hon
estly and honorably by us, with whom
you have been on such terms of friend
ship. Instead, find you have deceiy-
ed us. Over and over again you have
allowed us to believe you knew no one
in all the island. Was that fair? Was
It honorable? put the question to
you yourself, but I ask you no an
ewer."
Without another word, and not al
lowing Evan time even to open his
lips, he sprang on his machine and
was gone. Evan Monteith returned
slowly to the drawing-room. His face
was pale and troubled; there was an
odd contraction about his lips.
Day had risen from her seat by the
little tea table and was at the piano,
where she was playing a plaintive air
with one hand. Evan knew the air.
1t was the sad but beautiful one of
'The Flowers Of the Forest"
She did not hear him come in, and
he went up to her and laid his hand
lightly on her shoulder. She started
and looked up, frightened look
aeaping into her eyes.
''It is only l." said Evan gently.
We'll, Miss Day, have got my march
ing orders, and feel as If were the
meanest hound on earth! l have par
taken of your hospitality, and to you
botn I owe my life; and I have re-
paid you by reticence which amounts
= deceit. The worst Of it is. l cannot
~ anything to extenuate or explain
~ conduct. My mouth is shut. I
can only trust to your clemency and
sweet charity"
Day was silent, but he could see her
nps quivering; and her downcast eyes
grew heavy, as If with unshed tears.
He spoke again. presently. in lower
tone.
II must leave you tomorrow. Before
60 will you not speak one word of
Kindness to me. and say that, in spite
q appearances. you trust me, and will
trust me always?"
Day could not reply.
"speak, Day." he pleaded-"nnly one
word. Tell me. that you still think Of
me as friend-that you will not turn
lsainst me-
Then at last Day found her voice.
albeit q somewhat low and trembling
enc.
Mr.. Monteith, why should turn
against you? You have right to keep
your own secrets If you will. We do
not wish to pry into them. II my
friendship can be Of any use to. you,
3 Il It is OF any value. / am ready to be
your friend now and always"
74 OF any value?" he cried. DAY,
how little you know!s'
H. vent down on his knees beside
ersand took her hand IN his.
ss s5 IJay. I love YOU with my whole son1 I