The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-03

I smiled. There nigh, be n doubt
about the bread and cheese / said.
Melinda stamped her foot. OH" she
said. you are perfectly ridiculous.
| don't care what you do Tell
Leonard if you like. He won't believe you
you have no proof"
Leonard will believe me-" I replied.
calmly. He has known me as long as he
has known you. and he knows that | at
least am to be trusted Besides, you have
forgotten one little thing. or perhaps you
didn't know of it. l have still the
last letter you wrote to me-the letter
breaking off our engagement. That was
not among the others; l carry 1t abOut
with me. A@l another thing =
Leonard has some pretty distinct notions
about honor. l don't think he would
marry girl who-well. to say the least of
it, is INSCRIPTIONS enough to rifle mans
private desk. That sheet of music found
in my roOm-with Mrs. Leach as witness
is proof enough.
was up. She sank into a corner of the
shabby sofa and began to cry: and. as 1
said before, L can resist Melinda In any
mood but this one. | sat down beside her
and slipped my arm round her waist.
Melinda" | said. don't cry. The game
Is certainly up. but there's no reason why
we shouldn't have fresh shuttle and deal
again. 1t will be all the easier for a full
knowledge of each others cards.
There was no answer but a sob. | tried
to see her face. but it was buried in the
red sofa cushion.
You know Melinda" | said gravely,
how much l have always cared for you.
You know that If you don't ears for me
my whole life is ruined | made up my
mind to be generous last night and burn
all your letters, and when l got IN and
found that you had taken them 1 regis
tered a VOW that for the future L would
play for my own hand alone. You shall
never marry Leonard Crewe-that
sweari | can't force You to marry me
against your will but I can and will pre-
vent YOU deceiving him. You don't play
fair. Melinda,
Melinda moved little. / could see one
eye and little pink ear.
Il am not really half as horrid as you
think: she said: But oh! John. 1 do SO
hdte being poor!
/ tried to turn her face
II believe you like me better than Leon
ard. after aIl, said. smiling little.
The sobbing had stopped Melinda was
evidently considering.
Tell me the truth for once persisted.
is it Leonard you are crying for
still no answer.
Melinda
Still silence.
There was choking sound from the
cushion. 1t couldn't be that she
lit is nothing to laugh at, I said
u wish you weren't poor" whispered
Melinda.
! took the little white hand and touched
Leouard's gorgeous diamond ring.
II am going To take this off, ! said
Melinda sighed deeply. but made no OBJ
lection; So l gently slipped it away from
her finger.
Il am not poor" l said. II have plenty
of money for both Of us. The South Afri-
can railways We're a success. after all, and
] think l can even 20 so far as a diamond
ring. Melinda.
Then at last she raised her head. and
once more the irresistible smile was for
me alone.
Dear" she whispered, tcnderly. Il have
loved you all my life. 1 have been very
foolish, | know. But If you viii forgive me
] will never. never deceive you again.
l smiled. Melindo did not impose upon
me.
No" said 7. I'm take jolly good ere
you don The Pail Mall Magazine.