The Leon reporter., 1901-08-01
CHAPTER Kill

Mildred descended the stairs and
hurried across the hall, giving herself
no time to think of or mediate on
what lay before her, and, going into
the drawing-room, found Lord Lyndon
standing with his back to the fire. She
went up to him, and held out her hand.
Il want you to do something for me-"
she said, in low, choked voice-"will
you do it?'
"of course, WILL" he responded in
his pleasant, CHEEKY way. why do
you ask me that? Have you vet to
learn that there is nothing in the
world would not do for YOU if I
could?"
"Hush!" she said. ri would rather
you did not promise just yet. Wait
until you have heard my request, for
it is no ordinary one. l do not think
you can grant it. 1 shall not think
it in the least strange if you tell me
you cannot
At least let me hear what it is" he
requested, gently.
I want you to lend me, for an indef-
mite period, fifteen thousand pounds" !"
Lord Lyndon was so taken aback
that at first he scarcely recognized the
Importance of an immediate reply. He
was rich, certainly-richer far than
many men who were accounted we'll
possessed of this worlds goods; but
fifteen thousand pounds was sum
that few could put their hands on at
moments notice. He hesitated, there
fore, for little, and then recovering
himself said quietly:
What day shall I bring it to you?
Or would you prefer paying it in any
where?"
You will give it to me, then? You
really mean it? Are you sure-cer-
tain? Think what large sum 1t is.
and how small is your hope of repay
ment, and do not speak in too great
hurry"
II am sure" he said. "I promise
you."
And about securities?" questioned
Mildred, trying anxiously to recollect
all that she had ever heard about
money matters, and not succeeding at
all
we will not speak about securities"
answered Lyndon, gently. "Let it be
an arrangement between you and me
alone; I shall trust to you to repay
me the moment you are able"
The utter kindliness and nobility of
his nature touched her to the heart.
What shall say to you?" she said,
in a low tone, while strange trem-
bling pervaded her voice. "How shall
I thank you?"
Say nothing-do not thank me at
all, !" he answered, in hurried, panied
manner, moving back a few steps from
her.
Meanwhile time was flying. One,
two, three minutes passed, marked by
nothing except the small ormolu orna-
ment on the chimney piece, as it licked
away it's little monotonous existence.
He, gazing absently in the fire, be-
thought him of what all this might
portend; she thought of nothing-re-
membered nothing beyond the fact
that, for her, life's sweetness, liberty
and tender sympathy were not.
At length, rousing herself with an
effort, she went up to Leydon and
placed her hand on his. Her heart
was beating wildly, her face was ash
en-.
do you remember question you
asked me about two weeks ago?" she
said. do you still care to remember
it? Because, if SO, have a different
answer to make you now"
Two weeks ago 1 asked you to
marry me-" he replied, in forced, un-
natural manner.
"And then I said No." she mur-
INJURED family; "now-now-I would
say Yes" She covered her face with
her hands; a thick, dry, fearless sob
escaped her.
But have not asked you to say
it." observed his lordship, coldly, still
keeping down with firm hand the ris-
ing hope that was consuming him.
What, Mildred, do you imagine that,
because1I have been able to help you
in this little matter, I have claim on
you? Ypu are doing both yourself and
me q great Injustice"
You )are 100 good for me-" said