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

ut is all right. There Ii nothing to
fear. am here" she said, time after
time; and in response to the calming
sweetness of her voice he would lie
still for little while holding her hand,
and sometimes pressing 1T against his
lips. These tender proofs Of his love
made the nights vigil easier to bear.
but it did not make 1t easier for her
to decide how to fathom the dark mys-
terry which had spread from their home
to the Erskines.
81 must solve the secret of it," she
mentally exclaimed more than once.
1t was. mot until dawn was at hand
that 3 possible way to a solution of it
presented itself to her mind.
II will write to Guy she said to her
self, "and ask him if he could kindly
call to see me on an important mat
ter this very day. Perhaps he will tell
me all.'
Five minutes later she stole from
the bedside into the adjoining room,
where note paper was at hand, and
wrote the letter.
1t was delivered to Guy with several
letters that arrived by the morning
post. The moment that his eyes
,,or oh irI,f rf %, lo, "a i,,o ho
seized the envelope and tore it open.
An important matter!" he exclaim-
ed, reading. "Let us hope that she
has not got wind of the truth. My
self command would not be worth a
moments purchase ii l were called
upon to witness the woman l adore in
the throes of despair. Strange that
she should turn to me in the moment
of her trouble! But it's playing with
the fire-for me- Yet cannot say mo-
to her request. ! must go. When does
she ask me to be. there? Eleven
o'clock. Two hours hence"
Spent in utter restlessness were
those two hours Fears for Hilda and
fears for himself filled his mind.
I'm human, and I'm in love with
her STILL he said to himself more
than once.
1t was etherialized Hilda who en-
tered the room almost Immediately
after he arrived at Carlton Park.
ut is most kind of you to come"
she said, extending her hand. 81 hope
you will forgive my asking YOU"
Il am very pleased to be of any little
service to YOU" he replied, in prac-
teal voice.
1t is about the engagement between
Reggie and Audrey that | am so anX-
ious to speak to you. | wonder if he
has already told you that he has brok-
en- it OFF,"
He mentioned that he intended do
ing So"
May l ask if you approved of his
proposed action in the matter?"
81 am quite sure that my brother had
every desire to do what was best Guy
still continued to speak in a practical
voice.
With a searching look Hilda studied
his strong, clever face. 1t was mas
sively powerful--the face of man in
capable of acting weakly in any way.
Yet he was now trying to pose as one
who only occupied minor position in
the management of family affairs.
will you tell me the true reason
why he broke it OFF," she asked quick
ly. There is a mystery about it, and
want to know what that mystery is.
It distresses me to feel myself in the
dark"
Just culver of the lips, just look
in his eyes that spoke of a tender spot
touched; then Guy turned away.
ut is difficult to explain matters.
Reggie did what he thought best. He
always does" was the answer.
Il see you know the true reason and
are keeping it back. would not press
you to tell me if did not feel quite
sure that it is not case of changed
affection for Audrey. am perfectly
certain that your brother is devotedly
attached to her."
In agreeing with you ther l don't
think that I shall be committing
breach of confidence"
Ito Be continued.)