Omaha daily bee., 1902-06-15
CHAPTER xxx.
Copyright. 1901, by s. R. crockett.)

CHAPTER xxx.
There was no more than that But how
packed with matter for decision wac that
little himsy half sheet. Should / obey my
father or-my husband? For l had given
John the right to call me that when he
liked. My father was not here to consult
and-it would have been a thousand times
worse II he had.
A sudden impulse came to me. I cannot
tell what IL was that made me do it-per-
haps the sight Of Veronica's pale, set lips
and disappointed face. I was fond Of
Veronica and I did not like to see her
looking at me like that. Though, OF course,
the main part of her trouble / could not
help.
handed her the letter with a quick
gesture Of appeal. l could see her waver.
Nevertheless she shook her head in refusal.
Help US, Veral" | said and laid my hand
upon her arm. She took the note and read.
Then, when she had finished, she read It
over again carefully. And then she drew a
long, long breath.
what Kate told me tonight is true,
then 2" she said, looking very straight at
me, about Mr.. Rupert Glendonwyn, l
mean"
cit is true" I answered.
'Then / will go with you," she said,
slowly. IL may think you are a deceitful
little brat, Fairlie G~lendenning. but l can't
help liking you in spite Of it. l hope you
will be more straightforward with-with
him-than you have been with me-"
THANK you" l said. at will be dihlcult
70 get Kate to go, but II she will come at
all II will be with us two"
First, let me write a note home-one Of
the boys can take It," said Veronica. 81
will tell my father that there is great need
for me here and that he is not to expect
me home tonight. There will be merry
pandemonium at the manse, but never
mind. They must Just do without me for
one night in a good cause. / have all the
rest Of my life In which to make It up to
themi"
She went In, and while she was writing
(she wrote very large, half a dozen words
to a page) ! brought Harry out Of the
Kitchen and bade him take Johnny C6lstoun
to his mother, as we'll as deliver Vera's
letter at the manse Of Kilgour. He was, Of
course, all curiosity, but, being in fear Of
Will, asked no questions. Then / showed
the letter l had received to VIII and bade
him get ready to come with US to Cover
castle.
II will not" he cried. you heard what
my father said about these G~lendonwyns.'
"Ohg JNu NoA bNdJ tuCht bdlu, II
Is quite the same to me whether you go
or not. l am going to take the RESPONSE
bility. / have Veronica Caesar and can
go quite well. Only It would look better
~afterward II the acting head Of the
family-"
"The acting head Of the family, indeed"
he said scornfully. II should like to know
who that is. IL not Miss Fairlie Glenden-
ntngi"
''Well. at any rate" I said, you are the
man here-our brother, and people will
look to you to protect us! But Of course
III you are afraid-there is no more to be
said!"
"oh." he cried. 'if you put It that way,
] will come. You know very well, Fairlle,
that ! am not afraid. No, not of all the
oiendonwyns in the burying ground and
out Of i'll"
1t was a more difncu1t and delicate mat
ter to break the matter to Kate. But at
last hit upon a way and in her then state
OF mind found 1t easier than I had antici-
pated. Her dress was done at last, thanks
to Vera Caesar-not 10 me, lazy little pig
that / was! Now Kate had in her a root
Of love for nice things to put on. I, on
the other hand, cared more for nice things
TO eat, after the manner Of the unclean
four-footed beast aforesaid. | told her
that we had been sent for to attend a meet
Ing OF the family and friends OF Rupert and
how 1t was a great blessing that she had
her dress finished in time and the pretty
lace collar and cuffs stitched upon Il all In
readiness.
But I can't go and leave Babe Rupert"
she said. Just a little wistfully, do you and
Vera go, l will stay with him."
But" cried Veronica, enthusiastically,
1--WE viii all go. Babe Rupert. Of course,
must go, too. 1t is a family gathering"
And I can hold him in my arms all the
lime" she said. anxiously, and we will
come away soon2"
Yes, quite soon" said Veronica, that
is, whenever you are tired. Fairlie and I
will give you a turn sometimes. But you
can keep hold OF his hand lest we lake It
irto our heads to run off with him. He is
so wonderfully lovely that we might. you
knowl"
At this our poor Kate was very much
pleased and sprang up all eager to be
dressed. She carried Babe Rupert up
stairs to have his p~rettiest clothes put
on. And with Veronicass wonderful talent
for getting people to do things. aud her
facility In dressing others, gained by many
years expiatory suffering at the manse OF
Kilgour, we soon found ourselves at the
door.
"Diek, mind the house! Don't GO out, and
Con- answer questions!" said, as I
vent through the door.
Nor ask them" growled Will, who saw