The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1903-04-24
CHAPTER TX.

nave you 4ulle udue up your nina
to resign?" 81
Mr.. Kelly, the bank manager, puts
the question to the cashier, who has
asked for an interview, and has an
nounced his intention of resigning his
post at the bank.
In answer to Mr.. Kelly's question,
Mr.. Grey lifts his eyes from the con-
temptation of the carpet.
eyes, sir, have made up my mind
have never been the same since that
day. Every time the bank door opens
my heart beats. 1t has affected my
health, Mr.. kelly-indeed it has,"
''In that case you had better CO."
says the manager. What do you
think of doing?"
II have a brother in America: he
will get me work." Mr.. Grey says,
rather evasively. "And, Mr.. Kelly, 1
never told you that I am married
man. My wife was beneath me in po-
sition, and I kept it secret. 1t is
chiefly to please her I am going to
America" .
"Well,, hope you will get on" re-
plies Mr.. Kelly, "but you have good
berth here, and would be likely to get
raise
II know all that; but my wife is ex-
travagant; / give her all my salary.
Oh, you don't know what an anxiety
it all isl" explains the cashier, glanc-
ing round with his frightened gaze.
"You don't look we'll, Mr.. Grey. and
l am sorry your marriage is an unhap-
py one. Perhaps you are wise to emil
CRATE, after all
The interview is ended, and Mr..
Grey goes back to his work, crushed,
depressed looking figure. He is nery-
Gus and starting at every sound. He
has never been the same since the at
tack made on him at the time of the
robbery; the shock left him perfect
wreck.
A carriage rolls down the street and
passes the bank. Mr.. Grey sees it
driving by as he looks over the wire
blind of the bank window. It is the
carriage from the Court, with two men
on the box in faded claret livery, and
in it are seated Mrs. Saville and her
son, en- route for London, to meet Bar
bara on her return from Tasmania.
The Court is to be half shut up, and
the few servants remaining in charge
are to be left on board wages, for it IS
not Mrs. Saville's intention to return
until the marriage between Barbara
and Sebastian has taken place.
Three days later Barbara herself
stands before her aunt, with blazing
blue eyes looking out from the white
ness of her face. She has landed only
this morning, and Sebastian met her,
and brought her straight to the hotel
where his mother is staying.
Mrs. Saville, with heartless callous-
ness, has told her niece of the bank
robbery, and the crime and punish
ment of George Bouverie.
Anger and pity swell the girls heart
to bursting. George in prison! Words
seem to choke her. She cannot speak,
| but stands with her hands locked to-
gether, staring at her aunt.
Sebastian regards her critically.
"My dear Barbara. Bouverie was al
ways bad lot" he says calmly. "Tol-
erably good looking, grant you, but
| quite unprincipled. He was bound to
come to grief"
Barbara turns slowly.
"You are not speaking the truth,
and you know it!"she cries, with sud-
den passion. "If had only known, II
I had only known!"-her eyes wide
and full of pain.
Mrs. Sayille. In her sable draperies,
sweeps across the room.
.My dear child, try and be thankful
that you have escaped without having
| your name mentioned with such q
man. Not soul knows Of any fool
ish nonsense between you" ~.
1T was no nonsense!" Barbara says
firmly. II was engaged to George
Bouverie when / left home. I am en-
gagged 70 him still"
There is pride and determination IN
the young face.
Mrs. savills gives q 81 lrt laugh.
'You viii have plenty " time. dear,
70 test your consistency and his. Five