Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1905-11-16
Mrs. E. Bagot Harte.

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to whom she could talk about Reggie.
and now her thoughts and words were
revolving rapidly around the darling
of her heart
II am feeling absolutely too happy
for words" she exclaimed, by way of
summing up. Then, quickly, and with
a nervous laugh, she added, but wish
he would comet"
Il expect that he has forgotten both
your existence and his promise to
come" observed Hilda, with twinkling
eyes, but trying TO look most serious.
You wretch to make such state
ment!" was the laughing reply. 81
shall repeat it to him when he comes"
Don't. have great fear of an en-
ragged mani"
Look! Is not that No; it is not
him! And it is twelve O'clock" she
sighed 81 hope he is not i'll! Perhaps
he caught cold last night"
Don't be anxious, dear" said Hilda
Even the sweetest of men are not
made of sugar"
Here comes the postman! Won
der if there is a letter for me-
Your first love letter probably. Of
course, you will preserve it carefully
] should suggest framing it,"
Il shall tell Reggie all you say! So
I advise you to be more careful!" said
Audrey, with smile.
She was looking particularly bright
and happy now. OF course the post
man was bringing her letter from
Reggie! She did not doubt it for an
Instant! When the footman entered
with one addressed in Reggie's hand
writing a few moments later, she
glanced triumphantly at Hilda.
From London!" she exclaimed,
mentally, as a cloud descended on her
face
Quickly the envelope was torn open;
quickly her eyes scanned the contents,
and as quickly the color rushed from
her cheeks, leaving them liyid.
ooh, Hilda!n she cried, in a voice
which piteously demanded sympathy.
What has happened9" AS she said
the words Hilda hurried to her side.
sYou can read it-oh, no; better that
no one but me should ever see those
cruel words! The engagement is at
an end
At an end!' 1t can't be true!"
"He says that-that quivering lips
could scarcely frame the words-"he is
going abroad as soon as he can make
arrangements to do So"
Audrey, there must be some mis-
take" said Hilda, quietly. 1T is not in
the nature of Reggie Erskine to act
so dishonorably. l am certain that he
loves you"
$50 am I. But nothing can be more
convincing than the wording of this
letter. He says: 1t is absolutely nee
essary for the happiness OF us both
that our engagement should be at an
end;' and later-here Audrey turned
over the page-I hope that we shall
always continue to think kindly of each
other, although Fate has decreed that
we shall never marry
"There must be some mistake!" said
Hilda, again, and this time vehemently.
Perhaps it is question of income!''
mo; Guy has promised to allow him
a thousand a year, and Reggie might
rise to be quite a celebrated barrister.''
But does he not give any specific.
reason for breaking off the engage
ment?''
s'None does he give"
"Then it is most mysteriously I'M
kind" As Hilda said the word mystic
riously" the distressed look in her face
grew suddenly more marked.
Mystery was playing a cruel part
in her life too. Was there any con-
nection between the two mysterious in
fluences? If so, it was known to the
Erskines. She felt the blood surging
into her face as suspicion that this was
the case grew into certainty. Was
the same cause driving Reggie out Of
England as had driven her husband to
try to escape secretly? She must
know! She must learn! Without de-
lay she would try to unravel this dark,
mysterious secret
Suddenly her thoughts xeturned to
Audrey and the present moment. II
am SO sorry for you, she said, extend
ing her hand to the unhappy girl "You
must try to face it bravely.,'
But the blow had fallen too suddenly
for Audrey's powers of self-restraint.
Her lips quiyered, her eyes glistened,
and the very thing that Reggie had
feared would happen did happen. She
gave way and cried, with that complete
abandonment to grief which speaks OF
utter hopelessness.
Don't! DON'T! implored Hilda.
Every moment she was growing
more anxious to return to her hus-
bands bedside. every moment the!
knowledge that a loaded revolver was
under his pillow was impressing itself
more darkly on his mind.
Il cannot leave George any longer
alone. she said, regretfully. II am SO
sorry not to stay with you and com
fort you. Audrey
5.s 1T was well that she did not do so;
well that she hurriedly returned to
the sick room.
Sir George had just woke up star
tied. the horrors Of indeAnable fear
immGaiately rushing into his mind