The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-07-12

/ There was something unsympathetic-
almost hostile-in his brothers voice
which irritated him.
We'll. and what of it?'' he asked more
sharply than he had yet spoken.
She'll never, have thee, that's alI,'
was the others sullen reply.
What" exclaimed Leonard, leaning for
ward eagerly toward his brother. rs she
married already?''
Mark did not answer.
"She is your wife," said Leonard,
hoarsely as~
And what if she is?" retorted Mark.
evasiyely -
Cant you answer a plain question,
mani? cried Leonard. his temper rising
at his brothers. lack of candor. IF you've
married Thirza, don't think Eve come to
| upset her happiness-or yours. Things
must bide as they are, that's all. My
dream Is over, for I've had my dream
dream that has supported and comfort
ed me during these long years of toll and
hardship Day. in and day out I've worked
to prepare a home for her. What's
wealth to a man who has lived the simple
life of the ranch? Naught. But shared
with the women he loves it brings heaven
sight nearer to earth. Why do you
stare at me like that, Mark? Take off
that black scowl and show little human
feeling just for once Surely you can af-
But Mark, answering never a word:
only stared at the fire, putting his pipe
sullenly. Leonard rose from his chair and
peered through the dim lamplight at a
portrait standing on the high chimney
mantlepiece.
why, it's Thirzai'' he cried in an ex-
cited voice. 80 she is mistress of the
old place and you are her husband. Do
l guess aright?''
Mark did not stir nor speak; he only
went on smoking.
"A nice brotherly welcome cried Leon
ard, bitterly. Il see how it is. Ills the
same as twas fifteen years ago. The
sooner I'm out of Nethercote the better
it will please you. 1 won't trouble you
long. but before 1 leave your house to-
night I've determined to settle up little
business with YOU
What business?" asked Mark, looking
across at his brother with cunning
shrewdness. e..tfc
"a strange question coming from yeu,'
replied Leonard. You're about the big
gest contradiction on earth, Mark. When
we Were boys together 1 couldn't borrow
penny from you but you worried me
until it was in your pocket again, but
when it comes to 9100 and more you let
the matter slip your memory
Mark looked artfully across at his
brother. and then compressed his brows
in deep Thought.
Don't you remember?'' asked Leonard
impatiently. 'or what game is it you're
playing? Can it be that your heart has
warmed toward me after all these years,
and that you think the money which
you lent me only represented my portion
of the property-my share in this farm
of our father,s?"
you never had no sort of right to
anything here" growled Mark.
Look here" exclaimed Leonard, quick
ly. ''stow that kind of talk. / told you
pretty strongly what thought about that
question before I left England. Don't
let's reopen 1t now. You've got every
thing, and I've come to- give you a bit
more. I've come to pay back your money
for l wouldn't be beholden to you for a
farthing."
strange glitter came into the others
eyes. He was beginning to understand
Here's the money! shouted Leonard,
laying bundle of bank notes on the ta-
BILE. g. tE Gi4
Mark seized them with trembling fin
gers and counted them twice in the feeble
light of the lamp There's only s14O
here, he muttered, Twas ESQ 1 lent
you" 49,, ,.a..alI
+ "Bah!'' retorted Leonard "You're the
last man in the world to teach me- any,
thing about a debt of honor Here,s the
rest Of it, he cried He counted ont
~SNA
table, and Mark placed them carefully on
the top of the notes.
Just then the click of a latch at the
back of the farm was heard. Both men
started. Who's that?" cried Leonard.
Quick! before anyone comes, tell me-
what about interest on the money!
The door leading from the farm kitchen
into the parlor now opened and a woman
entered bearing a lamp which at once
gave cheerier aspect to the room
She was fairly tail, little over thirty
years of age and dressed becomingly in
black. If she had known trouble, it was
indicated only by the general pallor of her
features, for no line or wrinkle married
their symmetry. Dark brown curls clus-
tered above her forehead, and her eyes
as they glanced inquiringly at Leonard
CaWthorn had a rare sweetness of ex-
preston.
He rose quickly as she approached and
held out his hand. '3Thirza!" he cried
Why, it's Leonard" she said in voice
that was tremulous with excitement.
How we'll you look, and how glad 1 am