The Republican journal., 1901-05-09


Melinda stamped her foot. Ohn' she
cried, you are perfectly ride ulous!
| don't care what you do tell
Leonard if you like. He won't believe
you you have no proof
Leonard will believe me-" | 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 per-
haps you didn't know it. l have
still the last letter you wrote to me
the letter breaking off our engagement.
That was not among the others; carry
it about with me. And another thing
Leonard has some pretty distinct
notions about honor. don't think he
would marry girl who-well, to say
the least of it, is unscrupulous enough
to rifle mans private desk. That sheet
OF music found in my room-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 l said before, can resist Melinda in
any mood but this one | sat down be- |
side her and slipped my arm around her |
waist.
'Melinda,' I said, "don't cry. The
game is certainly up, but there's no |
reason why we shouldn't have a fresh |
shuttle and deal again. 1t will be all the
easier for a full knowledge of each |
others cards."
There was no answer but sob. | |
tried to see her face, but it was buried |
in the red sofa cushion.
'You know, Melinda" said gravely,
chow much have always cared for you
You know that if you don't have me my
whole life is ruined. | made up my mind
to be generous last night and to burn all
your letters, and when got in and found
you had taken them | registered VOW
that for the future would play my own
hand alone. You shall never marry
Leonard Crewe--that swear. l can't
force you to marry me against your will,
but can and will prevent you deceiving
him. You don't play fair, Melinda"
Melinda moved little. l could see
one eye and little pink ear.
81 am not really half as horrid as you
think" she said. But, oh. John l do
so hate being poor."'
| tried to turn her face
Il believe you like me better than
Leonard, after ALL | said, smiling a
little.
The sobbing had stopped Melinda
was evidently considering.
Tell me the truth for once" | per-
sisted. ''1s it Leonard you are crying
for?"
Still no answer.
''Melinda"'
Still silence.
Darling Melinda!'
There was choking sound from the
cushion. 1t couldn't be that
she was laughing!
''It is nothing to laugh at l said
sternly.
q wish you weren't poor" whispered
Melinda.
l took the little white hand and touch
ed Leonard's gorgeous diamond ring.
81 am going to take this off, said.
Melinda sighed deeply, but made no
objections SO l gently slipped it away
from her finger.
81 am not poor" l said. Il have
plenty of money for both of us. The
South African railways were a success
after all, and l think l Can even 60 SO
far as diamond ring, Melinda
Then at last she raised her head, and
once the irresistible smile was for me
alone.
Dear" she whispered tenderly, 81
have loved you all my life. l have been
very foolish, | know; but if you will
forgive me, l will never, never, deceive
you again."
l smiled. Melinda did not impose
upon me.
NO" said 1, '1'll take jolly good care
you DON'T Pail Mall Gazette.