The Washington herald., 1906-12-23

tel was more momentous 10 him than Il
had been to the candidate. His doubts
and his hesitation were gone; he knew
what Sylvia Morgan represented 10 him,
and with that knowledge came a certain
peace; It would have been a greater
peace had not the shadow of king
Plummer been so dark.
When Sylvia reappeared for the return
there was nothing TO indicate that she
had ever been tired or nervous. She
seemed 20 Harley the incarnation of
fresh, young life, and there was a singlI-
lar softness and gentleness in her man
ner. all the more winning because she
had let II appear more rarely hitherto.
She held out her hand 70 Harley.
You see that I have passed through
our adventure without harm 10 my
nerves" she said.
I knew you would do so" replied
Harley.
He would have said more. but the
armed escort. to man, was bowling re-
spectfully. and making no very great
effort 10 conceal its admiration at the
sight Of a lady. young and beautiful. such
an infrequent visitor TO their lonely ham
let. Nor was this admiration diminished
by the fact. known 10 them all, that she
had taken the hazardous journey over
the mountains with Jimmy Graysnn.
They considered Il a special honor and
dignity conferred upon themselves, and
as the candidate introduced them, one
by one. the bows were repeated, but with
greater depth. Sylvia Morgan knew how
10 receive them She was a child Of the
mountains herself, and without any sac
rifice Of her own dignity she could make
them feel that they knew her and liked
her
All Crows Wing saw them of. and
they rode away over the mountains in the
splendid red and gold Of the dawn. Mr..
Grayson and King" PlUmmer were near
the head of the troop. and Harley and
Sylvia were near the rear, where they re-
manned a part Of the general group for a
long time, but at last dropped back be
hind all the others
Won't Mr.. Churchill be shocked when
he hears Of our adventure in the dead
city?' said Sylvia.
He will think that It is the climax, q"
was the reply.
Harley laughed, but in a few moments
he became grave. Yet there was an ex-
preston Of much sweetness about his
firm mouth.
still I am glad that Il happened he
said. I saw a new illustration Of our
candidates powers. and ! learned. too.
much more than that"
She glanced at him, and as she read
something In his face she looked quickly
away, and a sudden flush rose TO her
cheeks. Despite herself, her heart be
gan to beat fast and her hand trembIed
on the bride rein.
Harley expected her to ask what it was
that he had learned. but when he saw
her averted face he went on:
l learned then. Sylvia. what I should
have known long before that I love YOU.
that you are the one woman in the world
for me. And I do not believe. Sylvia.
that you care only little for me-"
He was bold, masterful. and the ring
Of confidence was IN his voice His hand.
for moment. touched her trembling
hand on the bride rein. and she thrilled
with the answering touch.
Sylvia he said, with grave sweet
ness, I mean to win you"
You must not talk So" she said and
a sudden pallor replaced the color in her
face. You know that I cannot in honor
near II. / am promised and OF my own
accord. to another, and TO one to whom
every sacred obligation commands me 10
Keep my PROMISE
! do not forget vour promise-Nfr
RUNNER was in my mind when I was
speaking-nor do I urge you to break it
Why, then, do you speak? Why do YOU
say that you mean to win me?''
Because Mr.. PiUmmer must break this
bal gain himself. He. Of his own accord.
must give your promise back to you.
mean TO make him do so. I do not vet
know how. but I shall find way. Oh.
tell you, Sylvia, this marriage Of his and
yours is not right. It's against nature.
You do not love him; you cannot-t0 not
protest-not In a way that a woman
should love a man whom she is going TO
marry. You love me instead. and mean
to make you keep on loving me, Just as
mean to. make Mr.. Plummer give you
back your promise"
Have you not undertaken two large
tasks?" she said, smiling family.
But Harley, usually so short and terse.
had made this long speech with fire and
heat. as the still waters" were now run
ming very deep, and he went on:
Il have given you fair warning. Sylvia
Neither you nor Mr. Plummer can say
that I have begun any secret campaign.
have told you that I mean to make
you marry me-"
She thought that she ought to stop him,
to tell him that he must never speak of
such a thing again. Before her rose the
figure Of the man whom she had promised
to marry, square, massive, and iron-gray
but. solid as the figure was. t quickly
faded in the light of the real and earn
est young face beside her. Youth spoke
to youth, and she did not stop him, be-
cause what he was saying to her was
very pleasant. though it might be wrong
The morning was brilliant and vivid
on the mountains. Far away the white
peaks melted dimly into the blue sky
and below them lay the valleys, cup after
cup, white with snow. The others rode
on ahead, not noticing. and Harley was
not one to let time slip through his fin
gers.
You must not speak in this way to
me again." she said, at last, although
her tone was not sad. only firm. because
It Is not right. knew that it was