The stayer. (Canyon City, Tex.) 1896-1903, 1902-01-02

his: ne promised me mat you "ouiu
have me"
MY father promised"
Yes, your father; and, by c."
Chatham, who was growing more and
more excited, brought down his
clcnched fist UPON table near which he
stood, and with an evident effort re-
pressed the oath which rose to his lips.
Miss Murdoch. startled and bewildered.
observed him in speechless amazement.
After a momentary struggle, the ac-
countant suddenly broke forth in pite-
GUS pleading:
II don't ask much now. Tell me only
one thing and shall 60 away content
for the present. Say that no other man
has any better chance with you than
have. Say that You do not love anyone
else"
The young girl tried hard to avoid
his ardent gaze.
Say it," he commanded, in sudden
sternness.
Agnes drew herself up proudly then.
Il don't know by what right you pre-
sume to catechise or to command me-"
she said, coldly, at the same time max
ing a motion as il to touch the button
of the electric bell.
Chatham saw the motion and sprnnR
before her TO intercept it.
"Ah! that is the way OF it, is il ?" he
exclaimed, with passionate jealousy.
you are--in loye--With another mani"
IA. L.. -,
the utterance. The blood rushed to his
head; the veins on his temples stood
out IN purple yivioness, and, MS he
ciutcheo spasinodicaliy at his collar,
wild hight came into his eyes.
AGNES caugh; their mad glitter and
khrunk back in sudden terror.
II have been dupeu!" he shouted.
frantically. Il have been u cat's-paw.
and how that have done ali that Was
wanted OF Inc / am to be tul ned of
like a dog with 4 kick. The dirty work
is done. is it, Veil see about that;
we'll see what your father has 10 say.
But, at any ratio, You can be sure OF one
thing"
His voice sank to a honrse whisper
and the words fell with impressive dis
tinctn-ss:
III don't marry you. NO one ever
shalt"
As he spoke he leaned forward upon
the table which stood near him, and
his fingers closed nervously upon the
handle Of a jeweIed paper knife. There
WAS murder in his eye at that moment
aud the frightened girl quailed be-
fore it.
Suddenly her ear caught the sound OF
footsteps in the hallway. She opened
her lips to cal. for help, but before she
could utter sound the door opened, re-
yealing the anxious face of the house
maid. who had heard enough to reaize
that it was time to interrupt the tete-
a-tete without further ceremony.
Mr.. Sprague, MISS" she an
nounced, with comforting nod at her
young mistress, whose pale face and
frightened eyes had not escaped her at
trniion.
Sprague stood on the threshold in
evident embarrassment. looking from
Agnes to Chatham, and uncertain how
10 act.
Il fear l am intruding, Miss MUIR
dock" he said at last; your maid
told me she thought you could re-
ceive me. Perhaps would better call
again"
'.No, no. Mr.. Sprague," replied the
young girl, effusively, coming toward
him with outstretched hands; II nm
20 glad to see you" And then, observ-
ing his inquiring glance toward
Chatham. 81 think" she added, cold
", that this gentleman has said all
that he has to say 10 me-"
Chatham's excitement had subsided;
in the reaction. he seemed i'll and
weak and he nervously cIenched his
lremulous right hand.
Il will wait to see DIR. Murdoch"
he said, doggedly, in low voice.
"As you please" replied Agnes, aft
sr slight hesitation. ''Mary. show
Mr.. Chatham to the doctors study"
As the accountant followed the serv-
int from the room. blank despair was
in every feature, and it
'eenied to Sprague, as the door closed, Il,
hat he heard something like con- ,
ruIsive sob.
Cnconsciously Agnes had chung to i.
;prague's hand. Now, az the sense of
LANCER disappeared, she became d..
ware Of what she was doing; and, in !,
udden embarrassment, she with
rev her hand from his reassurinp
lasp.
The artist, recalling the object Of
liz visit, at once became grave and 1,
ormal. !.
Il am sorry to intrude upon you at
his unconventional hour, Miss MUIR
ock, but / found this letter in my !,
tudio to-day. 1t was evidently b
ropped by you yesterday; and,
linking it might be important, l." o.
"A letter? What letter." asked
gnes, puzzled. >,
Sprague held out the sealed envel.
pc. The young girl tore it open and A,
asst hurried glance at its contents. n
hen suddenly understanding. she
're the paper TO shreds and threw n,
icse angr,iy into the fire which