The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1904-02-12
THE MISSISSIPPI
BUBBLE 4
By EMERSON HOUGH
Author of "The Story of the Cowboy"
"The Girl at the Halfway House. Etc.
Copyright, 1902, by Emerson Hough.,
CHAPTER VIII.
By EMERSON HcUG1
CATHARINE KNOLLYS.


You mistake, sir! I am no light O
love, John Law"
Thus spoke Catharine Knollys. She
stood near the door of the great draw
ing-room of the Knollys mansion, her
figure beseeming well its framing of
deep kangings and rich tapestries. Her
eyes were wide and flashing, her cheeks
deeply pink. the sweet bow of her lips
half a-quiver in her vehemence Her
surpassing personal beauty, rich, ripe,
enticing, gave more than sufficient
challenge for the fiery blood of the
young man before her.
1t was less than two weeks since
these two had met. Surely the flood of
time had run swiftly in those few days
Not day had passed that Law had not
met Catharine Knollys, nor had yet one
meeting been such as the girl in her
own conscience dared call better than
clandestine, even though they met, as
now, under her own roof. Yet, reason
as she liked, struggle as she could,
Catharine Knollys had not been quite
able to end this swift voyaging on the
food of fate. 1t was so strange, so new,
so sweet withal, this coming of her
sutton, as from the darkness of some
unknown star, so bold, so strong, so
confident, and yet SO humble! All the
old song of the ages thrilled within her
soul. and each day its compelling mel
ody had accession. That this delirious
ger, the Lady Catharine could not de-
- - \, 49,
when 1t spelled such happiness. such
sweetnesS-when the sound of foot
fall sent her blood going the faster,
when the sight of a tall form, the ring
of vibrant tone, caused her limbs to
weaken, her throat to choke?
John Law looked at her calmly, but
said nothing. One hand, in a gesture
customary with him, flicked lightly at
the deep cuff of the other wrist, and
this nervous movement was the sole
betrayal Of his uneasiness.
you come to this house time and
again." resumed Catharine Knollys,
''as though it were an ancient right on
your part, as though you had always
been a friend of this family. And
yet
"And so 1 have BEEN" broke in her
sutton. MY people were friends of
yours before we two were born. Why,
then, should you advise your servant.
as you have. fairly to deny me admis-
sion at the door,"
ST have done i'll enough to admit
you. Had 1 dreamed of this last pre-
sumption on your part should never
have seen your face again."
"'Tis not presumption" said the
young man, his voice low and even,
though ringing with the feeling 20
which even he dared not give full ex-
preston. Il myself might call this
presumption in another. but with my
self It's otherwise"
Sir" said Lady Catharine Knollys,
you speak as one not of good mind"
mot of good mind!" broke out John
Law. Say rather of mind too good
TO doubt or daily, or tenporize. Why,
tbs plain as the plan of fate! 1t was
In the stars that I should come
to you. This face, this form, this
heart, this SOUL shall see nothing
else so long as live! Oh, feel my
self unworthy; you have right to think
me of no station. Yet some day
shall bring to you all that wealth car
buy, all that station can mean.
Catharine-dear Lady Kitty-deaJ
Kate"
Il like not so fast a soothsaying in
any sutton of mine." replied Lady Cath
airline. hotly, "and this shall go nc
further" Her hand restrained him.
Then you find me distasteful!
You would Danish me? could MOI
learn to endure it,"
Lady Catharine looked at him curl.
ously. Actually. SIR said she. "you
cause me to chill. I could half feaI
you What is in your heart? Surely
this is a strange love-making."
And by that" cried John Law
know. then the better of the truth
Listen. I know! And this is what
know-mat shall succeed. and that
shall love you alwaySi"
-.Tis what one Tears often iron