The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1904-02-19
CHAPTER XIII.
PRISONERS.

PRISONERS.
They passed through the heavy
gates, down a narrow and heavy-aired
passage, and finally into naked room.
1t was here, in such somber surround
ings, that Mary Connynge saw again
the man whose image had been craven
on her heart ever since that morn at
Sadler's Wells. How her heart coveted
him. how her blood leaped for him
these things the Mary Connynges of
the world can tell, they who own the
primeval heart of womankind.
When John Law himself at length
entered the room, he stepped forward
at first confidently, eagerly, though
with surprise upon his face. Then,
with a sudden hesitation, he looked
sharply at the figure which he saw
awaiting him in the dingy room. His
breath came sharp, and ended in
sigh. For a half moment his face
flushed, his brow showed question and
annoyance. Yet rapidly, after his fash
ion, he mastered himself.
"Will," said he, calmly, to his
brother, kindly ask the coachman to
wait for this lady"
He stood for moment gazing after
the form of his brother as it disap-
peared in the outer shadows.
Madam said John Law, in deep
and vibrant tone, you will pardon me
If I say that it gives me surprise to
see you here"
Eyes; 1 have come" said the girl, not
logically.
"You bring, perhaps, some mes
sage?"
81 brought message"
cit is from the Lady Catharine?"
81 came from the Lady Catherine"
said Mary Connynge, slowly, "but 1
bring no message from her of the sort
which perhaps you wished" 1t was
a 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, 1 am sorry" said John
Law, quietly, yet his face twitched
sharply at the impact of these cut
ting words. did you know of my let
ter to herr"
"Am l not here?" said Mary Con-
nynge.
True, and l thank you deeply. But
how, why-pray you, understand that
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. 1t
must be private. Your hrother-he
must never know. Promise me not to
speak to him of this"
This means much to me, I doubt
not, my dear lady," said John Law.
Il trust 1 may keep my counsel in a
matter which comes so close to me-"
Eyes, truly" replied Mary Connynge,
eff you had set your heart upon a
kindly answer"
What! You mean, then, that She
DO you promise?"
Il promise" he cried. ''And now,
tell me what answer had the Lady
Catharine Knollys."
"She declined to answer" said Mary
Connynge, slowly and evenly. DE
clined to come. She said that she was
ill enough pleased to hear of your
brawling. 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, 81 had never
thought to say it to a woman, but in
very justice must tell you that I
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 a ladyl"
sBut your story, madam, is most
unusual"
Tell me, then, why should I 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 unprecedented, yet
nothing had better served her real
purpose. The stubborn nature of Law
was ever ready for q challenge. He
caught her arm. and placed her not
nnkindly upon the chair.
by heasen..I half believe what you
say il trnes" said he. Is though to
himself