New-York tribune., 1903-06-23
CHAPTER XVII.
LYDIA BELCHER INTERVENEs.

The effect Of my words amazed AS a
regiment holding bravely against attack in
front will suddenly melt at an unexpected shout
in It's rear and collapses without striking an
other blow. so Mr. Whitnore collapsed. His
law fell; his eyes wildly searched the dim
ners of the room his two hands gripped the
edge Of the table; he dropped slowly into the
chair behind him, dragging the tablecloth askew
as he sank
With that I felt Mr.. Rogers's grip on my
shoulder-no gentle one, I can assure you He,
too. had been gazing at the curate but now
stared down. searching my face.
You've hit him, by George! Quick. boy!-
have you learned more than you told me last
night7 Or is it only guessing"
ASK him" said 7. why he married Miss
IsabeI?'
Married. Isabel Brooks rarried7-snd TO
that houndT"
Not to him. but II Archibald Plinllmmon-
Mr. Whitmore married them privately. Ask
him why"
'~whv?" Mr.. Rogers released me and. spring
IN the curate seized him by the collar. Why
YOU unhanged cur? Why? Or. better. say it's
not true-say something. CT. by the Lord. III
kill you here and now
Mr whitmore slid from the chair. and, grow
elling on the floor. clasped Mr.. Doige's knees
Take him off, he gasped. Have mercy
take him off, You shall hear everything. sir
indeed You shall. Only have mercy. and take
him off,
''Pahr' Mr. Rogers hurled him into corner
Enough Mr. RogersT commanded the rec
tor quietly but sternly. The two stood eyeng
the cuIprit who. crouching where he fell, gazed
up al them dumbly. pftifulIy a dog between
two thrashings.
Now, sir the rector continued. You mar
U-bO
AT their own" came the answer in whisper
Ave" said MIR. Rogers. lat their own request
You-not being a priest at all, or in orders, but
a swindler with a forged lcense-married that
lady at her own request"
rs that true the rector demanded.
The poor wretch made as if to crawl toward
him. to clasp MS knees again. Mercy" he
whined. between two sobs-
.'One moment" Mr.. Rogers insisted the
rector held up haad Did young Pinlim-
mon know of the fraud?"
No"
Does he know now?"
Thank the Lord for that small mercy For
by the Lord. I'd have shot him without grace
to say his prayers"
Mr.. Rogers again the rector lifted re-
proving hand.
You don't understand. sir. For this mar
riage-which isn't a marriage-Isabel Brooks
gave the door to honest man may be
bit of a fool sir. but since she wasn't for me
prayed she might find a better fellow. That's
sound Christianity hey? I can tell you it came
tough enough. And now He swung round
upon Whitmore did this man Letcher know"
he demanded.
He did. Mr. Rogers. G., If you only knew
what agonies of mind
stow your agonies Of mind! Wen begin
with those you've caused What was Letcher's
game2"
His right name is Leicester, sir. He is Mr..
Plinlinrnon's cousin-or second cousin, rather
though Mr.. Plinlimmon cont know it" Mr.
WhItmore with his gloss rubbed of. was fast
returning to his native style even in speech
You could as little mistake him for a gen
tleman as for a priest
And how does that bear on this pretty
plot?'
u can tell you that gentlemen; for when
George Leicester forced me 10 t-and 1t was
only under threats so terrible that you would
hardly believe
In other words. he knew enough TO hang
YOU"