Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-01-09

bring no message from her of the sort which perhaps you wished It was desperate, reckless lie, lie almost certain of detection; yet it was the only resource of the moment, and a moment later it was too late to recall. One lie must now follow another, and all must make deadly coil.
 Madam, I am sorry" said John Law quietly, yet his face twitched ting words. "Did you know of my let ter to her?''
 Am not here?" said Mary Con- nynge.
 True, and I thank you deeply. But how, whypray you, understand that I would be set right. would not un- dergo more than is necessary. will you not explain?"
 There is but little to explain-lit- tie, though it may mean much. It must be private. Your brother-he must never know. Promise me not to speak to him of this"
 "This means much to me, doubt not, my dear lady, said John Law. T trust I may keep my counsel in a matter which comes so close to me-
 ''Yes, truly" replied Mary Connynge, eff you had set your heart upon a kindly answer. !"
 What! You mean, then, that she"
 s'Do you promise?"
 T promise" he cried. And now, $nII oncruor yftn To5x, Catharine Knollys.
 She declined to answer" said Mary Connynge, slowly and evenly. De clined to come She said that she was i'll enough pleased to hear of your brawIing. Said that she doubted not the law would punish you, nor doubted that the law was just"
 John Law half whirled upon his heel, smote his hands together and laughed loud and bitterly. Madam" said he, "I had never thought to say it to woman, but In very justice I must tell you that see quite through this shallow false- hood.
 Sir" said Mary Connynge, her hands clutching at the arms of her chair, ''this is unusual speech to lady!"
 But your story, madam, is most unusual
 ''Tell me, then, why should be here?" burst out the girl. What is it to me? Why should care what the Lady Catharine says or does? Why should I risk my own name to come of this errand in the night? Now let me pass, for shall leave you.''
 The swift Jealous rage of Mary Connynge was unpremediated, yet nothing had better served her real purpose. The stubborn nature of Law was ever ready for 8 challenge. He caught t her arm, and placed her not unlSindly upon the chair.
 By heaven, half believe what you say lis true!" said he, as though to himself.
 .'sYet you just said twas false," said the girl, her eyes flashing.
 q meant that what you add is true, and hence the first also must be be- lieved. Then you saw my message? ?"
 .tI did, since 1t so fell out 7
 l"But you did not read the real mes sage. I asked no aid of any one for my escape. but asked her to come Tn sheer truth. wished but to see her,
 :..And by what right could you ex- pect that?'.'
 ...I asked her as my affianced wife" replied John Law.
 Mary Connynge stood an inch taller, as she sprang to her feet in sudden ScOrn and bitterness.
 Your affianced wife!" cried she. What! So soon! Oh, rare indeed must be my opinion of this Lady Catharine!'
 ''It was never my way to waste time on journey said John Law, coolly.
 "Your wife. your aff1anced wife?"
 "As I said"
 t1Yes," cried Mary Connynge, bit terly, and again, unconsciously and in sheer anger. falling upon that course which best served her purpose. And 7. what manner of affianced wife is t would forsake her lover at the first breath of trouble? My God! 'tis then it seems to me, woman would most swiftly fly to the man she loved"
 John Law turned slowly toward her his eyes scanning her closely from top to toe. noting the heaving of her bosom, the sparkling of her gold-col- . ored eye, now darkened and half ready to dissolve in tears. He stood as though he were judge, weighing the evidence before him, calmly, dispas- sionately.
 Would you do so much as that Mary Connynge?" asked John Law.
 T, sir?" she replied. Then why am l here tonight myself? But, God pity me, what have said? There is noth- ing but misfortune in all my life!"
 1t was one rebellious, unsubdued na- ture speaking to another, and of the two each was now having it's own sharr suffering. The instant of doubt is the