The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1904-03-25
CHAPTER V.-(Continued.)

The newcomer was a man of about
Cleland's height, but more slender in
build, with the erect bearing OF a SOL
der. His hair, Of a light brown, was
cropped short; his face, though regu-
lar enough in features, was not a
pleasant one. The cold, hard blue
eyes, straight, narrow mouth and
sharp chin, gave it an expression
which made many people declare III
was better to give Paul Reyburn a
wide berth"
He shook hands with his hostess,
and an unpleasant expression drew
his brows together as he glanced at
Cleland, then acknowledged the 9TH
| er's salutation with a curt bow.
Let me give you a cup of tea, Ma
jor," said the lady of the house pres
emily. She poured it out and Rayburn
watched her, a passionate expression
in his cold eyes, as they devoured her
face. ANY more news from Atbara?"
| she asked, as she handed him the
dainty little cup, skilfully evading the
touch of his fingers.
Gust what we expected. The der
| wishes are gathering fast and furious
ly. / expect we may receive march
ing orders n day." said Rayburn.
LET them come. l don't care. for my
part, how soon"
In a few minutes Cleland rose to
| take his leave. Mrs. Breynton n
Rayburn were alone.
"Is that fellow your shadow" the
latter asked, suddenly turning to his
hostess, who had parted from Cleland
at the room door. "He is with you
everywhere now. ! wonder what he
thinks he is?"
"a gentleman" answered Mrs.
B~reynton, quietly, though a little
CLEAN came into her soft eyes. Il am
afraid you have forgotten you are
one, Major Rayburn. i am not accus-
toned to that one from those who lay
claim to the title"
II beg your pardon" said Rayburn,
half sullenly, half passionately. He
PAQNCu LID SuR OA q AlLIlO SAOAO ACoAb
and, coming to Mrs. B%reynton's side,
suddenly knelt at her feet, and put
his lips to the lace which hung owe
her delicate waist. "YOu have made
me mad-mad! l love you with a pas
sion that will not let me rest night or
day! Every moment l am away from
you / feel as if there were a chain of
iron about my feet dragging me back.
1t makes me furious when l see an
other man near you, touching your
hand, and you smiling upon him, as
you smile on Cleland!"
The beautiful face hardened and
grew paler at the last words.
major Rayburn, I have told you be-
fore that l have no love to give you
that We can never, by any possibility
be more to each other than friends
Why do you persistently introduce the
subject, and prosecute me with your
| ~entreaties? You must know that il
pains me-, and that 1t cannot do your
self any good. Let me repeat once
more what / have already told you.
do not and never can love you: it is
impossible 10y and forever"
'Then there is someone who makes
It impossible?" exclaimed Rayburn
with sudden ~ferceness. He caught her
wrist In a strong grasp, and his cold
eyes, now burning with a fierce light
tried to read the depths of hers. "YOu
love some else! You cannot deny
IT." he exclaimed, hoarsely.
why should l acknowledge or deny
Il to you, Major Rayburn?" said Ad-
rienne, with cold displeasure. "You
have absolutely no claim on me that
you should demand my confidence. II
you cannot be content with what
have to give you, then the only other
possible footing for us is that of COM
plete strangers"
Eyes, you can throw me over like
that, calmly telling me we can be
complete strangers to each other,
while you know that my very life is
in your hands!" exclaimed Rayburn,
hoarsely. You were friendly enough
with me once-you can't deny that!
It is that"-he checked himself as he
was just about to utter a fierce oath
that fellow who has just left to whom
/ am indebted for this. But, by Heav-
en-! / will show him he cannot cross
my path with impunity! He does not
know the kind OF man he has to reck-
on With"
Major Rayburn. you go beyond all
bounds" exclaimed Adrienne. She
rose from her seat, her face deathly
pale. and put her hand on tho bell
pull. AFTER this / do not see how we
can be anything but strangers to each
other" she said. coldly. II Inn not In
the habit OF counting among my
friends those who utter threats OF
that kind In my presence!"
She had pulled the bell before she
had finished speaking. Rayburn stood
before her. q cold grey hue spreading
slowly over his face. an expression in
his eyes that might have vaguely
alarmed Adrisnne had she seen It, but
che did not.
When the servant appeared she
said quietly:
'See Major Rayburn to the door,