The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-03-04

rarely happens. Remember, Donald
does not know that you know what he
knows. DO you follow mcY
"You mean TINT II ! knew that he
knew for certain that Mr.. Hardy had
written TO me ! should tell the truth,
but otherwise might take the easy
course and deny having received a
letter.
Precisely. And you mustn't do II.
tel you, Edith, that this trifing mat.
Ger IL a bomb loaded with destruction.
| ! have noticed change In Donald u
manner OF late lie has been bit
chilly to me. and that's fact. And
when man turns the cold shoulder to.
ward the matchmaker II means that
the match IL In danger"
Donald loves me. said the girl.
"But he doesn't fully trust you. SO
much you have made clear TO me"
Il have thought that II could really
be what he wishes me 20 be. II in great
things or small could speak always
the whole truth
Nonsense. my dear; charming. child.
ish nonsense! Now listen 10 me" And
Mrs Lockwood expanded at consider.
able length her wretchcd gospel Of de-
ecption, aud upon the end Of IL set forth
concrete evidence.
Remember" she concluded, with a
shrewd eye Oh the girl. that you are
doing this for his own good and for the
eternal salvation Of his peace OF mind.
| say eternal because It's the only
word for married He. It's so long, 40
very long" And she induIged In the
least little yawn at the memory Of her
own
There Intcryrncd some hours. Even
ing came. Clocks. which were fad
OF Mrs Lockwood's. were calling 0 from
room TO room OF the house. Edith had set
her resolution like species OF alarm
gong for this hour. and when all the
clocks were stll she looked up at Don.
Md. who was standing before her. and
said.
You remember the little photograph
that loStT"
Yes" said he, with the smallest pos
sible start Of surprise.
We'll, I've found It."
You have found tn" he said slowly.
Il mean that know where II Is. Mr.
Hardy has IT,"
Indeed Have you seen hIm?"
NO" she answered, shifting her look
from his face 10 his tie
Perhaps Mrs. I.ockwood"-
"Oh, no; she hasn't seen him either
| have had n letter from him"
He was much surprised, but Edith
did not know II because she was now
looking at a cufT of his coat
Yes" she went on In a voice not
quite steady, "IIe wrote to say that he
had taken 1t. not knowing how much
valued 1t nor why 1t was especially
precious, He apologIzcd humbly and
promised 10 send II back TO me at
once"
Perhaps he has already done So"
said Donald after n brief pause,
'No, he hasn't; but I'm sure he will
What made you think he hadY
AS | was removing my ovcrcoat In
the hall few minutes ago" he an.
swcrcd, Il happened to dlsplacc tray
upon table There was an envelope
under 1t addressed to you in Mr..
lIardy's writing, 1t was probably for.
gotten by the servant to whom the
postman handed 1t In, | will get It,"
He went out into the hall, leaving her
rigid ana staring. Before she could
form coherent thought he had return.
cd and had put an unopened letter into
her hand
''lf you would care TO read it now
he said and crossed TO the piano, upon
which he began 10 play softly.
Edith glanced once at him, then tore
open the envelope. 1t contained, Of
course, the delayed communication
from Nathaniel Hardy. And she had
already told Donald what was In 1t!
"Oh, yes. yes" she said In a choked .
voice. Just a note TO ask If I'd re- !
ceived the other. You see, l hadn't ac- /,
knowledgcd IT,"
He turned toward her, and their eyes
encountered She could not withdraw
hers, though his glance was unendur-
able to her. Slowly she advanced to- !
ward him and put the open letter into
his hand. !
"Why did you tell me that you had
received this?" he asked. "By the ring,
Edith; answer by the ring"
~ was afraid you wouldn't believe
me-" she whispered.
"How did you know what was In It?
You said you hadn't seen him."
"Auntle talked to him by telephone"
He rose and walked away from her,
then slowly returned.
ut seems to me-" he said, that we
have come to Il moment Of decision"
She looked into his face, speechless
with grief and terror.
'This can't go on" he said. 1--WE
must plan anew"
ooh, Donald, she walled, II will new
er, never
'1t's not time for promises" he in.
terrupted gently; 'its time for &C.
ton must take you away from here.
Tomorrow? VIII you marry me to-
morrow