Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1902-03-27

She was very much altered, he thought
thin, and he believed somewhat sallow.
She was In half-mourning, too-that was
for her husband-he wondered how deep
ly she had grieved over him. In his mis-
anthropicai mood he said to himself that
she had not heart enough to be incon-
solable about anything.
Marks recollection of that past was
not altogether pleasantly mournful. He
had never felt that Katharine had been
quite fair and honest with him.
Well, 1t was over long enough ago,
that was certain; he was a fool to be
troubling his head with those old mem
cries! But he must wonder IL she saw
him, and IL so, whether that meeting
had any effect at all upon her.
He passed through the woods and came
out into his Cousins grounds.
Hello, old fellowW some one called
out, and, looking up, he saw Tom Ford
running down the veranda steps to meet
him.
There was a hearty exchange of greet
ings, for the two had always been the
best Of friends in the world, and a week
In Toms cheerful society never failed to
send Mark back to his busting life, ele-
waited in spirits, and with pleasanter
views Of things in general.
He led the way up to the room Mark
had always occupied-a pleasant chamber
that Ellen had fitted up with an eye to
| their cousins peculiar fancies.
Here we are" said Tom. Now you
can beautify yourself as much as you
please; there's the trunk you sent up by
eXpress-I hope it's got your most dandi-
fed clothes in it."
"Why, have you visitors?" asked Mark
81 thought should be sure to find you
quite alone"
! "The truth is said Tom, sitting down
in an easy chair, and looking inteplly at
the toe of his boot Its an old friend of
yours, and Ellen and were afraid the
thing would be awkward; but there was
no help for 1t. Katherine Warner is
here, Mark" he added abruptly; hurting
out the secret he had meant to cOmmuni-
cate withSsuch care as man Is sure TO
do when he tries to be extra delicate.
"We didn't expect her any more than
than the man In rhe moOn," said Tom,
falling back on that familiar comparison
for want of better. "She has only Just
got here from Europe. She was Ellens
greatest friend. you know, and only a
few hours ago we got a telegram from
her, saying she should be here tonight
1t was awkward. But what could we
doY'
Honest Tom grew quite red in the face
with the energy of his explanations.
1T is a matter of perfect indifference,
TO me-" said Mark In stately way; "onC
female is about the same as another"
That's the way to look at it!'' criet
Tom, quite delighted. Il was afraid
, you might be annoyed; and so was lei
, len"
= The tea bell rang before they had re
l membered to go down: then they hurrie'
p off at a great rate. and dashed dowI
into the hall, where they met ellen
; IL am so glad to see YOU" she said
, giving him the cousinly kiss with whicl
i he was accustomed to be greeted
= She led him into the library, chattin
g carelessiy, and in the childish name
which was partly natural to her and
n little exaggerated for the occasion.
k Mark was in the room. There stoo
Tom, talking TO a lady. He know h
n walked toward her-heard ellen say. -
s. need not introduce you to my friend
It Mrs. Waruer"-was conscious that n
shook hands with her, and said all tina
% was proper on the occasion; butt mus
n be owned-the room looked n little I'll
n steady for a moment.
Is However, he betrayed very little emc
q ton outwardly; and Mrs. Warner appeal
r. ed so perfectly self-possessed that
quieted him ut once.
r. When Mark got into his room he wa
N astonished to remember that he had nj
N taken A fair look at his cid acouaintan nj
m during the whole evening.
The next morning. even looking wit