Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1906-08-09

ing no scrutiny, narDOT1nR no evil, QeSlr'
ing but good. The thick masses of hail
brushed from her wide forehead were
lightly streaked with gray above the
temples.
Mrs. Dumbarton declined the coffee
when served.
Il dare not drink it after four O'Clock
or should be stretched upon a rack
she explained
"Of thought" he suggested, raising
his eyes to hers.
Eyes, l sleep badly"
Il felt sure you were unwell. YOU
have worked too hard"
Il am always like this when l have
come to the end of a book. writing is
such a strain upon the nerves"
81 have seldom seen you look so ILL., y
he remarked gravely.
For the past week I have been ter
ribly depressed without apparent cause.
The very silence of the house weighed
upon me. The atmosphere doomed full
of tragedies; it seemed as if something
dreadful might happen at any moment or
every hour"
"Overwrought nerves. I wish you
were coming with me to Egypt Think of
it. I'll put off my journey to suit your
convenience; it will do you all the good
in the world. Come"
Impossible. Next month Veronica
and l may run over to Paris, of which
l am so fond"
"The present is the time you most need
change" he urged earnestly.
How delightful We should see the
pyramids and camels and the desert" said
Veronica, her face Frightening.
There are many reasons why can
not leave home at present." replied the
authoress. Perhaps next year"
Better come now" interrupted Valer-
ius. who knows what may happen be-
tween this and next year,"
who knows?" she repeated, absently
"Do come"
81 cannot. And now, Veronica, your
hour has struck" said Mrs. Dumbarton,
looking at the clock.
The girl rose without murmur.
Goodnight, mother, DEAR" she said.
Goodnight, my darling, and may God
bless you"
1T will be goodnight and good-by to
me- said Galbraith, as, bending down, he
kissed the girls forehead
ITO Think said Mrs. Dumbarton, as
the door closed upon her daughter, 'that
she is just seventeen, the age at which
was married 1t was wrong to sane
ton such marriage; what was / but
a child who did not know my own
nind?"
"But nothing would dissuade you from
him. Surely you cannot forget
now 1 tried-how your mother"
eyes, l know" she replied, with a
movement of impotence, "and how l
have suffered for my obstinacy. The
punishment seems out of proportion to
The fault. At times 1 grow rebellious
1t my fate"
"Where is he now?"
'In London?"
''Whatp exclaimed Va1erius, starting.
4 thought he had left England"
''He did six months ago, but he has
had letter from him yes
.erday."
'Begging?"
Demanding"
"And your" valerius said, anxiously.
q made no reply"
"Olive," said Galbraith, in a low, ear
nest voice, ct is not yet too late Take
he advice of your friend, of your only
-elative. Divorce this scoundrel who has
,uined your life"
A half-stiAed sob, more piteous than a
Try, was her only response.
''He has squandered your fortune in
rice" continued Valerius, excitedly. "He
las well-nigh starved you and your child
lie has heaped insult and injury upon
,ou. and then deserted you-divorce
lim!"
NO." she answered, in voice strained
rom her struggle with emotion "You
lnow my ideas on the subject are old
fashioned. He is tfne father of my child,
and if only for her sake l could not
make his infamy public. I dare not state
what I have suffered. I shrink from
holding up my wrongs TO the view of
/ curious, morbid and knocking public"
'The matter would be forgotten in a i
month";"
Il, whom it most concerned, could
lever forget. Besides, I see no advan-
age to be gained. I have bought his
consent to a legal separation, so that he
:annot harm me any more"
'1s there no other reason for you to |
lesire divorces" Galbraith asked in a |
till graver voice that trembled in antici-
,ation of her reply.
None" she answered, without hest
alton.
Valerius quivered as if he had received
blow; and then, after a seconds sill
,nce, he half reluctantly rose to take
lis leave. She stood up likewise, and |
or second he looked into her eyes,
reighted with pain patiently borne. Then |
With an air of dependency he turned
rom her.
'You will let me hear from you now
md them" she said, understanding his |
ceilings and wishing to soothe him in
he hour of their parting.
"Of course. I will write regularly. |
And if ever you need me, Olive, send |
,ut a word and I will come to you,
wherever 1 may be. Remember"
Thank you, thank you, Valerius," she |
eplied warmly as she held out her hand. |
.Good-by, and a pleasant journey.
iood-by."
"Good-by," he answered, in a voice