Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-03-03

l colonel caught her by the arm and swept her to his breast, saying with cold determination, as to stranger: "This is my wife and is nothing to you" "Pink!' cried Boyd in desperation, turning to his sister as a last resort.
 But Pink had gone to Mary Annan and the girls were clasped in each others arms. Pink was crying bitter ly, but Mary Amman stood with her head high by Bob Darrow, with look scarcely less resolute and infinitely more bitter on her face than that on Peyton's.
 Listen, sirr said his father. ''You have made your choice. You must go I wish neither to see you nor hear of you, and from henceforth you shall be as one dead to us. Your name shall not be mentioned in this house. If any child of mine shall have the inclina- tion, I forbid him or her to hold any communication with you. Here is no longer home for you. Your trunk shall be sent to the station tonight. The money I have held in trust for you from your grandfather's estate, amounting to some $5,0oO, will be paid over to you at the bank today at 3 o'clock shall expect you to be there to receive it. That is all. Now you may go. We will endeavor to forget the disgrace you have put upon us, and \ pray God may never see your face again" t..s.
 A low groan burst from Boyd Pey- i S f.(z Rro SxH In& hands and shook like woman.
 "A horse is at your service" contin- ued the colonel impassively, ito carry you into town. Leave him at the sta ble as usual"
 "I will take nothing, sir" answered Peyton at last, nerving himself to face the inevitable-"n nothing but the uni form and the sword I wear. won't ask any of you to break fathers com mand to speak to me-" he continued, looking at the rest through misted eyes. "I will just say goodby to you all, and may God bless you! I dare not ask father to bless me. You don't know how terrible this has been to me, but am Payton too. I have my ideas of honor. and I must abide by them Miss Mary, am as earth be- meath your feet; but, believe me, have truly loved you, and shall love you to the very end"
 There was a little silence. No one answered, and for a moment no one moved. Finally Bob Darrow slowly swung on his heel and deliberately turned his back on his former friend. E~1% |, the friendship forever broken. Mary Annan stared at him, her lip still curl- ing. Pink averted her head. That si- Ience, that ghastly silence, was broken only by the sobs of his sister and by the thin, low moan of his mother.
 "Oh, Willis," she cried to her hus- band, Che is my boy! Do not drive him offv'
 "For Gods sake, sir" said the colo mel furiously, Eff you have vestige of the instinct of gentleman left in you, go!'
 Peyton turned away instantly and slowly descended the steps, each foot fall upon the boards sounding like a deathknell to those left behind.
 By heaven" cried Willis impetuous- ly as his brother stepped rigidly down the path, "I can't stand 1t, and I won'tv'
 He sprang down the steps and in a moment reached his brothers side.
 "Goodby, Boyd, old felloww he cried. T can't let you go without a word. We don't think as you do, but we know you will do your duty, and will say God bless you for father and mother and Pink and myself. God bless you, and some day it will come out all right"
 There were tears in the boys eyes, He put his arm about his brothers neck and kissed him and then stopped on the walk and watched him proudly go on and on.
 "Willis," cried the colonel sharply, as Boyd disappeared, T forgive you this time, but try me no more. Help me to carry your mother indoors. I am afraid she has tainted. Daughter, run for some restorative"
 Miss Mary" said Darrow, as they were alone, is it trueT'
 "Is what true?"
 'That he kissed you"
 ~Yes. Do you hate me for it?'
 "I love you" he said simply.
 Would you-do you wish me-
 "Do you love him?''
 "I hate himr' she cried, stamping her foot again.
 Did you love him last night?'
 "I thought so, but now know never did. l never shall. 1t Is all over with despise him. I-you said you loved me. Do you want me now? Will you take me?"
 Her face was flushed with passion She was beside herself with rage and wounded pride. It was evident that she scarcely knew what she was say. ing or doing, as she stretched out her arms to him. It was not love, but what was it? Jealousy, resentment, revenge, or what? The temptation was great. If he took her at her word, he might bind her to him. A week before he would have done it, he would have