Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-05-09

dust. It would simply break his heart
She paused. The plantation bell rang
for the last time. 1t was a signal for all
loiterers in the fields to come into the
quarter, a custom which had been kept
alive since the days of slavery. The elder
sister drew up a chair and sat down
near Evelyn.
"Tell me how it came about" she
said.
For moment Evelyn seemed drawn
out of stupor of gloomy reflections.
HE had threatened to kill Ronald"
she began-"to kill him on sight-and
Ronald's brother gave him a"
"Oh, I mean how did you ever hap
pen to fall in love with such a creature
as he is?" broke in Miss Hasbrooke, al
most angrily. "How can you admit
such thing, when you remember who
and what the Hasbrookes are?"
II have never thought of them as be-
ing gods, nor even angels" Evelyn
blurted out, and then she laid firm, de-
termined hand on her sisters arm. 81
must beg you, Caroline, to leave me
alone this evening. I cannot bear to
hear you run him down for what he
cannot help. Please gol"
Caroline drew herself up from her
chair and moved to the door with step
full OF dire prophecy. II shall not tell
father" she repeated. mo, shall not
tell him."
"But SHALL" answered Evelyn. 81
am helpless to aid the man I love-the
man I'd die for willingly, but shall
not conceal the truth from single
soul. At least I can do that much.
can be true to him. shall not deny
him."
Caroline leaned on the swinging door,
her cold, vindictive face rested on her
arm. 1t was on the tip of her tongue
to make an angry retort, but she evil
IDENTIFY thought dumb silence on her
part would be more crushing, 30 with q
look of forced incredulity on her face
she turned away. II shall not tell ia.
ther," came like belated echo from
the hall. II shall not be the one ia
break his heart"
The colonel had come in from tire.
some ride across his domain and sat in
his study looking over some legal pa
pers. The soft light of German stu.
dent lamp brought his fine face out
strongly and clearly from the darkness
round him. He had spread the papers
on the top of his mahogany desk
Only the day before he had insured his
life for another large amount, and he
was thinking Of making will which
would divide his property equally be.
tween his two daughterss One of the
servants approached with card.
"Tell Capt. Winkle," said he, as he
glanced at the card, shat cannot see
him tonight, unless 1t is something Of
Importance"
HE said it was very important, suh.'
| The old man fumbled his papers with
nervous fingers.
ut has come at last" was the thought
in his mind; "but she shall not be co.
creed. I shall never ask child of mine
to marry against her inclinations, and
Evelyn has acted strangely in regard tc
him.
"Well, send him in here, Nebo, and
then see that we are not disturbed"
Col. Hasbrooke opened the door of 6
big iron safe and thrust into it his pa
pers. He remained standing, his eye,
on the door. Capt. Wrinkle wore riding
boots and held his gloves and whip il
his hands as he entered.
II dropped in only for a minute, colo
mel" That was his greeting, but
was cold one, unlike the young off
GERS usual suavity. Indeed, his tom
seemed almost to carry menace. TIL,
colonel's perception was keen, and h
fell to wondering and drawing hasty de
auctions.
"You are always welcome at earn
leigh. Capt. Wrinkle. Nebo, take the cap
tain's things. What will you drink
sir?"
Wrinkle waved the servant away, an,
stood watching him till he had gone
then he leaned on the back Of chair.
II called to see you in regard to you
daughter" he said, still coldly. chop
you will pardon the informality Of m,
visit. colonel"
II must admit that suspected tina
you might wish to speak of hero
Evelyn" answered the old man, no,
reassured as to Wrinkles intentions.
Capt. Wrinkle started. Ithad fashe
upon him that he was being misundel
stood, and yet there was dogge
something in his eyes which seemed I
say that little thing like a temporar
Observation-Disclosures in SO delicat
matter-would amount to nothing q
an Offset against the humiliatio
Evelyn's conduct had brought hin
Hasty reflection on this line made hill
unusually blunt of speech.
. TO BE CONTINUED.
DOUGLASS, the Photo