The champion. (Arcadia, Fla.) 1895-1911, 1906-03-01

eunnot 8no SAID
"You mustl' no returned firmly.
Nothing shall DO altered now. You
have deceived us: but It Is now too
late TO 20 back Come. they are
waltingr
II connotf cried Rhoda. shrink
Ing back from him. BE angry be
harsh to mel DO not look at me like
that do not speak to me like thatl'
You must bear the consequences
OF your own actions" hs answered,
with no softening IA his glance.
lyon have had tho courage to play
part for months. you must have
courage 20 60 through with the mat
ter Your aunt's dying moments
shall not DO tortured by the knowi-
edge Of our curse yet VIII not al
low you to draw back now"
II cannot be your wifel" she said
with a shudder.
You must 60 through the mar.
Rage ceremony with me-" no re-
turncd sternly. "What we do after
wards we need not think OF now
But my wife In the eyes OF the law
you must be-" He took her hand In
HIS strong clasp. Gomez he said.
But Rhoda still drew back
Have pity on met II you ever
loved me. hava pity on me nowi"
II have no thought for you" was
Adrlan's stern answer. II think only
Of the poor woman lying yonder.
whose last noments you wish to
darken. I think only Of your good
name, which you leave at the mercy
Of tnat man. Comel"
At that moment Jack appeared at
the end OF the walk.
Come, coIneI" he called. I'VE are
getting impatient"
Adrian went forward, still holding
Rhoda's hand, and she went on In
hopeless submission to hia Will
The little sitting room looked very
gay with flowers The curtains we're
all drawn back, and Miss Dering lay
on sofa by the window, her rich
draperies arranged around her She
was looking at the door eagerly when
Adrian entered leading Rhoda The
rector stepped forward; but Miss
behring's faint voice stopped him.
zone moment" she said. 'Rhoda
come and kiss me FIRST"
Rhoda with q deathly pale face,
knelt down by the sofa, Miss Derina
put one arm gently round her
II want to tell you all what this
dear girl has been to me-, she said.
laying her other hand upon Rhoda'a
bent head II was q vain, selfish,
careless woman when Heaven sent
her TO me. She has taught me to i've
a better life; she has taught me how
to die" She paused.
A low sob from Rhoda broke the
stiffness
adrian, come here" said Miss
Derlng
Adrian came close. his eyes bent
on he kneeling figure with the bowed
head
Take her, Adrlan-the sweetest,
noblest woman man ever had for q
wifel Rhoda, darling, the rector Is
waiting"
Rhoda did not move. Adrian
placed his hand upon her shoulder.
Come, he said.
Rhoda got mp. and her aunt half
rose to embrace her once more; but
she fell back, and an ashy pallor
came over her face.
my hearti" she cried
Rboda turned to Adrian
"Call Stanton quickl"
But even as she spoke as she put
her arms round Miss Dering. the END
came. Her annt'B head fell back
upon her shoulder. and she drew
deep breath her last breath.
The rector gently drew Rhoda
away
She Is at peace. be said.
Rhoda looked down at the white
face. and her own grew pale and
deathlke. But she did not faint
She allowed Mrs. Dering to lead her
gently away. and Molly TO come to
her room to comfort her.
Il am glad / am gladl" she was
saying to herself with passionate
iteration. She never knewl And
Adrian Is still freel''