The Cook County herald., 1903-10-31


officer, with . sudden movement,
turned toward him, Harrison started
back, exclaimingly furiously: n: All.
"Mr. Roland-is 1t your. ~ z<=
Certainly" replied the other, coldly,
with gloomy glance at the man whom
he had long recognized as his foe. 'You5
probably. did not expect to find me
here?" .|' 49,. .. .iG
Edward had already regained his
self-control. He instantly perceived
what threatened him and the peril in
volved by his rivals unexpected ap-
pearance. A few hours later. the latter
would have had no power to cross his
path; but now he must face the danger,
and Harrison was not the man to
shrink and give up the game as lost.
mo, indeed" he said, answering the
last question. $50 far as am aware,
the Union forces have not reached
Springfield"
Yet I am here, as you see''
"Qn hostile soil. And for what pur-
poser"
"Do I owe an account to you? You
seem to be usurping the place Of the
master of the house, Mr.. Harrison. I
regret that I cannot acknowledge it;
for I, too, have sons privilege here,
and will speak only to the father of
my betrothed bride''
my uncle will hardly be disposed
to recognize your claim. At any rate,
Y1cf int h
him."
will you prevent it?" demanded
Roland, threateningly.
But Florence, who had anxiously
noticed the rising wrath of the two
men, now interposed.
my father is ill, William" she said
gently; "has been very i'll for months.
During the last few weeks his disease
has assumed dangerous phase, and
yesterday the doctor prepared me for
the worst"
Her voice was choked with tears.
William listened in perplexity; what
ever wrath he had cherished against
his future father-in-law, this news
disarmed him.
II had no thought of this" he said,
deeply moved. "My poor Florence!''
He put his arm around the weeping
girl. But this movement. the quiet
confidence with which he asserted the
rights of betrothed lover, enraged
Harrison to the utmost; his hands
clenched as if he longed to tear the
couple apart, and his voice sounded
hoarse, almost stifled.
"You don't seem to be aware of
what has happened recently, Mr.. Ro-
land. I am compelled to inform you
Of it.; -
Il know and suspect more than
might be agreeable to you," inter-
rupted the young officer, releasing
Florence and approaching him. 81
just heard from Miss Harrison that
not one of my letters has reached her
hands, though used every precaution.
Her father cannot have interfered,
since for months he has been on sick
bed; yet an intrigue has been carried
on whichf see with tolerable distinct
ness. Perhaps I shall apply to the
right person if I ask you for informa-
tion. You will, of course, deny"
who tells you SOP" asked Edward,
coldly. "The letters are in my
hands,"
William started back. This cold
blooded acknowledgment completely
destroyed his self-command for a mo-
ment; but Florence exclaimed in con-
sternation:
Edward! You did that?"
He turned to her with a perfectly
unmoved manner.
Il think can explain it. At first I
acted only at your fathers request,
afterward on my own authority; but
then was simply exercising my rights,
for you will remember that three
weeks ago you consented to become
my wife"
"That is lie! A shameful slander!"
cried William. Speak, Florence! De-
fend yourself! You see I don't be.
lieve one word of the calumny."
Ito be continued.)