The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1904-07-07

riches, had expected to enter the little
exclusive art and social coterie that
gathered there 1t had been her favor
that had won him the entree, and be-
fore the Ivy that clambered on old
Martlgny's garden wall had turned to
crimson they were engaged.
1t was not until after the wedding
in Paris at Eastertide that Katherine
had realized how the world, her world,
WIS smiling at her In polite amuse-
ment. 1t was so palpably marriage de
CONVEYANCE. Not breath of the sweet
ness of the wooing at quaint Berbec
had reached it. 1t was merely that
Kitty Lorimer had married Bruce
Hetherlngton for his money, and all
the host of nouveau richie lettering
tons were to sweep into society under
the shadow of the Lorimer wings.
And the knowledge of the worlds
Judgment of them had bred a vague,
and pride that the other one might give
credence to the worlds rumor. After
that the drifting apart had been swift,
and the end had come deliberately. She
had wished to spend the summer at
Berbec alone. He had refused posi-
lively to permit it. If she went against
his wishes, be would consider 1t final.
Before she had fully realized what 1t
meant she had tossed back her an
swer. 1t was final then. She would
go to Berbec. The following week
they had sailed for France.
A sudden, sharp rapping on her state.
room door startled her. She caught
her breath as she rose unsteadily and
chung for support to the side of the
berth The moment of danger had
come, aid they had sent for her. Not
Hetherington, she knew. Until she
called for him he would meet even
death without a word But If she
tould call. If there was only yet time,
only moment of grace, to reach him
and tell him 1t was all a miserable mis-
take OF pride, that she loved him with
all her heart and wanted his presence
with her now at the supreme moment
when all the world had fallen away to
nothingness, and there was only the
mystery of eternity before her and his
love to bear her on. The rapping sound
ed heavier and more imperative.
Kit! Let me in"
1t was Hetherington's voice. She
turned the lock with steady fingers,
sudden peace strengthening her. He
paused in the doorway. tall and dark
and storm beaten In his dripping OIL
skins, his face white and grim as lie
looked down at her.
Has it come. dear2" she asked, lift
ire her face to him. I'm not afraid
With you"
He caught her to him closely and
pressed his lips to hers with hungry
intensity.
Not afraid In death, Kit" he said
bitterly. Then why In life"
She closed her eyes and shrank
closer to him. Death had become
friend to be met with smiling eyes and
welcoming happiness. AS Hethering-
ton raised his head she waited, expect
antly. The lurching and grooming had
stopped. She wondered II they were
sinking and frightened the clasp Of her
arms about his neck as she smiled up
at him.
How dear death Is together!" she
said softly. I'm not one bit afraid"
His eyes lighted with sudden COM
prehension. and he stood back, loosen
ing her arms.
The danger is past" he said. ~
cnme to tell you we had made the har
Dor ut st. Hilaire. You can reach Paris
by evening"
For an instant she hesitated in the
reyulsion of thought. then held out her
arms longingly.
mot alone" she said; mot alone
now, sweetheart. l am afraid In life,
too. alone"