The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-12-02

her. But she spoke with unaltered
composure:
81 told you more than year age
that I should pay no more debts OF
yours, contracted in gambling or in
any other way" she said. Il mean it
you know that mean it. I have given
you fair warning. I shall not
change" He did not speak; his head
was dropped upon his breast; he was
deathly pale. 81 have done my duty
by you, Guy-you know have" she
added.
eyes. you have been just, but you
have never been merciful," he replied.
"Oh, Godv'
He flung up his arms with 4 bitter
cry that wrung my heart.
l looked at her. No, she. did L..t re-
lent or go to him. He had flung him
self into chair, and with his head
dropped into his arms folded upon the
back, was the most hopeless figure l
had ever seen. She arose. for had
finished her hair, and took seat near
er the fire. Her lips were gray, as If
she were cold, but her face was still as
infiexible as flint.
He gave groan and started ~ sud
denly.
81 am going" he said. Il" He
met her eye, and asked: "Why do you
not kill me? was altogether in your
hands once. You killed her, you will
remember"
A slight flush stained her cheek.
'.You would have made her happy. |
suppose, if she had lived" she said,
sarcastically. But the sting did not
seem to reach him.
"If. she had lived! Oh, Heaven. l.
she. had lived! Winifred, may God
deal by you as you have dealt by ne"
II am willing" she answered.
He remained but mor1ent longer.
Wrapping his cloak about him, he gave
her one look of reproach and left the
room. l looked wistfully at her; she
did not speak to me, anl I, too, went
away. She was ill the Eext Cay, but
on the following day she appeared
much as usual.
OF all that I thought and felt, I, of
course, said nothing. The matter was
no affair of mine. understood that
the two were brother and sister; that
the young man was named Guy Sed-
ley, that he was dissolute and in dis
grace, that Mrs. Saltby had taken care
of him in boyhood, but now ignored
the relationship. I was in no way al
lowed to learn any more.
But on the second night was awak-
ened by light shining into my cham
Der. 1t was something unusual, for
the little clock on the mantel was
Ginning II. After moment l slipped
out of bed and glided toward the open
door. The long, embroidered folds of
my night dress nearly tripped me up;
but made no noise with my bare feet
upon the deep velvet of the carpet. /
don't know whom I expected to see,
certainly not Guy Sediey, kneeling be-
fore a sandalwood chest, with papers
strewn around on the floor. A taper
burning on the mantel showed his face
perfectly cool as he went on searching
for something. He must have come
through my room to reach the apart
ment, for it had no opening but into
my chamber. l saw, too, dirk kuife
on the floor, close at his side. looked
at him an instant. Even then re-
membered to pity him, then glided for
ward, snatched the knife and leaped
back to the door. 1 was mistress of
the situation, for had come from be-
hind him and done all as in flash;
and as he rose to his feet stood with
a calmness that showed that 1t was
not my intention to Immediately arouse
the house.
With a presence of mind equal to
my own, he put the roll of bank notes
he had been searching for into the
pocket of his waistcoat, and with a
glittering eye regarded me specula-
lively. | did not scream. know now
that he was not much afraid Of me.
You have been robbing your sister,
said, but if you will put the money
back l will let you CO."
His intense attention of me changed
to look of wonder.
You, child, are not afraid of meT
he asked.
NO" l answered truthfully.
But watched You in your SLEEP
moment ago, debating whether il
were necessary to kill you or not"
You must have been glad to find
that it was not necessary" said.
He looked more astonished than be
fore, but did not stop to think of that
Put the money back" said.
NO." he said, firmly. Il will muir
der you first.
"Do not do that" said l. II am your
friend. was sorry for You that day
He did not speak, but a troubled looI
disturbed the pale fixedness of his
face.
"How much money have you thereT
asked.
"one hundred pounds"
"And you need 1t very much?"
Every much" he replied, with a bit
ter smile.