The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1904-05-25
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
PRISONERS.
They passed through the heavy
gates, down 2 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 a
sigh. For 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
il l say that it gives me surprise to
see you here"
Eyes; have come" said the girl, not
logically.
you bring, perhaps, some mes
sage?"
IL brought message
ut is from the Lady Catharine?"
Il 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
desperate, reckless lie, lie almost
certain of detection; yet it was the
only resource of the moment, and
moment later it was too late to recall.
One lie must now follow another, and
all must make a deadly coil.
Madam, 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 her?''
Am l not here?" said Mary Con-
nynge.
True, and thank you deeply. But
how, why-pray you, understand that
/ would be set right l would not I'M
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, doubt
not, my dear lady," said John Law.
i trust l may keep my counsel in
matter which comes SO close to me-"
Eyes, truly" replied Mary Connynge,
If you had set your heart upon a
kindly answer"
What! You mean, then, that She"
DO you promise?"
II promise" he cried. "And now.
tell me what answer Lad the Lady
Catharine Knollys.'
She declined to answer" said Mary
Connynge, slowly and evenly. DE
clined to come. She said that She was
i'll 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, bit in
very justice | must tell you that
see quite through this shallow false
hood"
Sir" said Mary Connynge, er hands
clutchins at the arms OF her chair,
this is unusual speech to la,ly!"
But your story, madam, is most
unusual"
Tell me, .hen why should | be
Lers?" burst out the girl. sWhat ~ il
to me' Why should l care What the
Lady Catharine says or does? Why
should l risk my own name to come
of this errand in the light? Now let
me pass, for I snail leave you"
The swift jealous rage of Mafy
Connynge was unprecedented, vet
nothing had better served her real
purpose. The stubborn nature OF Law
Was ever ready for challenge. He
caught her arm. and placed her not
unkindly upon the chair.
by heaven, l half believe what you
say is true!" said he. a. though to
himself