The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1906-06-08
and was willing to defend her love.

and was Willing to defend her love.
Raymond was chilled by the change
in Ann-by a return to the cold aloof-
ness Of her manner at Barnett's-and
was profoundly troubled by it.
The day following the woman's visit
Munro rode down as usual to call and
seemed amazed when Mrs. Kelly greet
ed him coldly. Gam does not want to
see you or any one else this morning.
you least Of ALL"
Munro whistled. another cold blast.
It's sure drafty up here on the side
hill, isn't it? What do you suppose is
the cause Of it."
From the inner room clear, low
voice, icy as a mountain stream, re-
piled, "Miss Rupert is not receiving
Captain Munro today or at any other
time"
He took a step toward the door.
what have done to get crack like
that?"
The door closed with decided jar
and bolt slid.
Munro bowed. ."I understand. l
take the hint. But some day when you
are feeling jolly I'd like to know what
has frosted the air down here among
the aspens."
II can tell you," said Nora, with the
directness of woman who has known
rough men all her life. "Ann has learn
ed the kind Of life you live, and she de-
spises the sight Of your face"
For the first time in bis life Munro
was COMPOUNDED. He stood for a mo-
ment revolving an explanation. At last
he said, "You mustn't take an enemy's
report of me-"
1--WE do not" said Nora calmly.
'Your wife has called on u.s."
my wife!'
''The woman who calls herself your
wife. TITS all one so far as we are
concerned"
Munro frowned. "Claire called!
Here? Then with leer that was char
acteristic Of him, he added, II hope you
had a pleasant chat"
"Ask her. She did all the talkin'."
Munro became very serious and very
winning. "Now, see here, Nora''-
"Call me Mrs. Kelly" she interposed
shortly.
He was not smiling now. His heart
was in bis voice. "You tell Ann not to
misjudge me. She must give me a
chance to square myself. I don't claim
to be saint, but I've been open and
aboveboard with every man or woman
I've ever had any dealings with. What
ever my past has been, I'm living on a
different plane now. I've cut off all
my old habits for her sake. I'm trying
to live up to her standard of things. I
know she's better than am, but can
climb. My family is as good as hers. I |
started right and with the help Of |
good woman can get back to where |
was. I claim the work I'm doing here |
is worthy her approval. Ask her to let |
me see her again."
Nora turned her face toward AIMS |
door and both waited in silence, but !
no sound came from the inner room,
and Nora, seeing suffering in the lines
Of his face, said more kindly: Eye may
as we'll go. The door will not open to
you this day nor any other"
Munro turned and went out with
bowed head, and Nora could not doubt
the sincerity of his pain.
One morning Ann rose to q singular
light. In place Of the clear, golden sun
shine which had so often glorified her
room blue-gray mist lay thick against
her window pane. Raising the sash,
she put her hand into tit was like
smoke, dry and cold! Dressing hur-
riedly she entered the sitting room,
where Matt was helping his sons to
dress.
She stepped to the door and looked
out with vague alarm. The vapor had
blotted out the world. Nothing could
be seen but the faint forms Of one or
two cabins and clump Of nearby
trees, and she went back shivering and
a little depressed. II don't like to
leave the peak on such day." she said
at last. II think I'll stay till the sun
comes out I want to think Of it as it
has been-radiant and inspiriting.'
The cloud hung moveless for hours,
yet resisting. A hush
was in the air as though some disaster,
concealed as yet, was about to be dis
covered. About 10 o'clock as she stood
ON the steps wondering whether to
cross to the bungalow or not Raymond
burst from the obscurity. II
Good morning." called Ann. isn't
this strange efectY' II
His eyes were shining, his face pale
and his voice vibrant as he abruptly
said: "Come with me; the time has
coma want to talk with you"
what has happened?" she asked in
alarm. II
He took her by the arm. ''You prom
lsed to listen. You are not afraid of ]
me, are your
mo, but do not understand. Where
Is Louis? Has anything happened to
him?' II