New-York tribune., 1901-02-24
lgement and marry me-"

Melinda gasped
Marry YOU? after all this?'
Yes said, trying to speak with a calmneas
dld not feel-''Inarry me | dare say you are
surprised that should want marry you.
that | have found out your true character; but
in spite of everything l care for You more than
in the end
Melinda laughed defantIy and rose to go.
This is too much" she said You have gone
little too far. my dear John. l am engaged to
Leonard You are perfectly ridiculous. l have
promise d To marry him"
PROMISES, said l. are easily broken"
Melinda laughed again This promise will be
kept she said. Good heavens, marry you.
after all the trouble had about it before. You
are certainly mad You had Il situation then,
with a small salary. while nOw-you are sim
ply doing nothing. What do you propose to do
10 carr your living"
AS you say" said l. nothing
An said Melinda, Il thought so. No. thank
bread and cheese and kisses, and not even a
certainty about that, you mistaken
smiled There might be doubt about the
bread and cheese" ! said
Melinda stamped her foot oh" she said.
you are perfectly rdcuIous | don't
what YOU do tell Leonard if yOd 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 ha e forgotten one little
thing, or perhaps you didn't know it.. have
sti the last letter you wrote to me-the letter
breaking off our engagement. That was not
among the others: carry it about with me-
ana another thlnS Leonard has some pretty
distinct notions about honor. 1 don't think he
would marry a girl who-well. to say the least
Of il. is INSCRIPTIONS enough TO rifle mans
private desk. That sheet of music found in my
roon-with Mrs. Leach as witness-is proof
enough"
And then Melinda saw that the game was up
She sank into the corner Of the shabby sofa
and began To cry; and as said before. 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 why
shouldn't have a fresh shuttle and deal again. II
will be all the easier for full knowledge of each
others cards.
There was no answer but sob. 1 tried 20
see her face, but it was buried in the red sofa
cushion.
You know Melinda" said gravely how
much have always cared for YOU You know
that II you don't have my whole life IS
ruined l made up my mind tn be- generous last
night and To burn all your letters and when |
got in and found that you had taken them l
registered a vow that for the future | would
marry Leonard Crewe-that / swear! can't
force you to, to marry nae AGAINST your will but |
can and VIII prevent You deceiVInS him. You
don't play fair. Melinda"
Melinda moved Il little. / could one eye
and little pink
Il not really half rs horrid as you think"
she said But, OH John l do so hate being
poor"
tried to turn her face
Il believe yoI like better than Leonard.
after all said. smiling a little
The s"bhing had stopped. Melinda was evil
Tell me the truth for once" persisted Is
il Leonard YOU crying for?"
Still answer.
"NelinCia.''
sim silence
Darling Melinda
There "A choking sound from the cushion
II couldn't he that she was laughing
1t Is nothing to laugh at" | said sternly.
II wish you weren't poor" whispered Melinda
took the little white hand and touched
Z LeouaTd'S gorgeous diamond ring.
Il going to take this off, I said.
Melinda sighed dee ply but made objection,
so l gently slipped it away from her finger.
Il am not poor said. Il have plenty of
money for both uf The South African rail
/ ways "A success after all and think | can
even ~ 50 far "A diamond ring. Melinda"
Then at last she raised her head and
/ more the irresistible smile was for me alone
Dear" she whispered tenderly. Il have loved
you all my life. | have been very foolish. ]
know but II you will forgive me, 1 will never.
never deceive again
! smiled Melinda did not impose upon me
No" said |. IN take jolly good you
don't"