Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1906-02-16

NOT bit! I'm expecting him home
soon, and then we shall hear all about
it."
I'm which case l had better be off.
II may be private family business, yon
know"
Il don't think papa would mind your
knowing. He looks upon you as a sin
cere friend. You are. the only one he
has cultivated within my memory"
Poor Ethel! She had unwittingly
brought down an avalanche upon her
self.
"You see, he has treasure beyond
price in his keeping, and he guards it
jealousy"
For moment me drift of his remark
did not strike her; she concluded he was
abiding to the secret of her fathers
birth, which she had thought was
known only TO Lord Summers. She was
surprised that he should know the Sc
cret; but she said nothing, and quietly
awaited an explanation.
Polling was slightly Disconnected by
her unexpected silence and her inquiring
gaze. He felt that he had committed
himself In some way, and honestly re-
GREETED that he had been so indiscreet
but he felt that he had gone too far to
recede, and therefore went on reckless
ly.
Mr.. Mallett is well aware that if
man meets you often he must learn to
love you"
He stopped abruptly after this. and
noticed the quick flush that overspread
her face; then, impelled by an irresisti-
BILE impulse, he continued:
Il know l ought not to say this TO
you without first speaking to Mr.. NAL
lett; but he has been so kind to me that
have allowed myself to hope he would
not object to me as a son-in-law. be-
yond the one great objection that ap-
plies to every one-I should rob him of
you. Yet L would not even do that en-
tirely. He should have his own rooms
In our home, and he could be with us as
often and as long as he liked. would
make both so happy, if you would let
me! l would cherish you so tenderly
ana take such care of you that an anx-
ious thought should never come near
you, and the trouble in your face which
cannot help seeing sometimes should
die from sheer hamilton"
lie paused, while Ethel sat quite still
her hands pressed closely together in
her lap, the flush still burning in her
cheek. He yearned to take her into his
arms and hold her there; but. reading
distress in her burning cheeks and avert
ed eyes, he determined not to press for
an answer to-day.
I'm afraid I've worried and dis
tressed you. I'm very sorry. l won't
trouble you about it any more Just now.
Try to think the best you can of what
l have said, and let us go on for a time
as we have been, good friends" He
rose from his seat, and held out his
hand to her.
Ethel was touched more than she
thought was possible by the unselfsh-
ness of his words. He had made no
to his own feelings or suffer
ngs, yet she knew the suspense he
would undergo if matters were left as
they stood then. She resolved to tell
him everything, and let him decide.
Don't go for few minutes. please"
she besought him, nervously. II have
l ought to tell you. have
owed some one else very dearly"
He looked gravely and pityingly at the
pretty flushed face; but there were no
signs of surprise rs he answered:
Il guessed as much. You must for
give me for having played the spy: but
loved you so dearly from the first mo-
nent l saw you that l could not help
watching you, and l found il out. l
know that whoever is to blame for the
breaking off of this previous engage
nent, 1t is not you; and, in spite of the
act of your having promised in the
past to be the wife of another. | am
onging to hear you repeat that promise
o me. II you can bring yourself to do
{, L will try my best to deserve my great
happiness by my devotion to you"
Again the thought rose in Ethers
ieert, IF had only known this man
before knew Jackl" All that she could |
Ind words to say was: How good you
lre!"
Nay, | am afraid there Is no great |
goodness in me; but l would try to be |
III goodness to you. viii you let me |
ryg
Should she confess that she still suf. |
cred from the pangs OF sighted love2 |
-~NN 'fNH - 'AaNAN 90 uSSit III ntI UllnU 4
'etween pride and honesty. The latter |
PREVAILED, and she rose from her seat
nd crossed to the fireplace. She held |
ne mantelboard firmly by one hand. and
hen, regarding him steadily. she said.
without pause or tremor:
You do not understand what it is |
vant you to know. 1t is only very late
y that my engagement with some one
lse was broken off-so lately. indeed
hat l have not recovered from it.
Fish you to bear this in mind-that l
m still sorry about II. At the same
ime l know you have done me great
onor, for think you are true and hon
rable, and believe that if l had time
0 leave this sad memory behind me I
ould honestly accept You. and bring not
My my gratitude, but my love to our
ONE; as things are just now l eel It