Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-18

From the inner room a clear, low
voice, icy as mountain stream; re-
piled, Miss Rupert is not receiving
Captain Munro today or at any other
time"
He took step toward the door.
"What have done to get crack like
that?"
The door closed with decided jar
and bolt slid.
Munro bowed. 81 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 ail her life. Cam has learn
ed the kind Of life you live, and she de-
spises the sight of your face"
For the first time in his life Munro
was COMPOUNDED. He stood for mo-
ment revolving an explanation. At last
he said, You mustn't take an enemy's
report of me-"
I'VE do not" said Nora calmly
Your wife has called on u.s."
"Aly WIFE"
1.-THE woman who calls herself your
wife. IT'S all one so far as we are
concerned"
Munro frowned. "Claire calledl
Here? Then with leer that was char
acteristic Of him, he added. II hope you
had pleasant chat"
ASK her. She did all the talkin."
Munro became very serious and very
winning. Nov, see here, Nora"-
Call me Mrs. Kelly" she interposed
shortly.
He was not smiling now. His heart
was In his voice. "You tell Ann not to
misjudge me. She must give me n
chance to square myself. / 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. l
know she's better than am, but l can
climb. My family is as good as hers.
started right, and with the help of n
good woman can get back to where
was. 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: aye may
as well 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 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 Oh
two cabins and Il clump of nearby
trees, and she went back shivering ant
a little depressed. II don't like t,
leave the peak on such day." she sait
ut last. II think I'll stay till the SUI
comes out. want to think of it us il
has Deen-radiant and inspiriting."
The cloud hung moveless for hours
impenetrable, yet resisting. A husl
was in the air as though some disaster
concealed as yet, was about to be dis
covered. About 10 o'clock as she stoo,
on the steps wondering whether t
cross to the bungalow or not Raymon
burst from the obscurity.
Good morning." called Ann. Ism
this n strange effect:"
His eyes were shining, his face pal
and his voice vibrant us he abrupt
said: Come with me; the time ha
come. l want to talk with you"
what has happened?" she asked i
alarm.
He took her by the arm. you prom
Used to listen. You are not afraid {
me, are your"
mo, but do not understand. Whe1
is Louis? Has anything happened I
him."
Louis is safe with Kelly. want {
see you because things have happene
l 10
They moved off up the path towar
the overlook, and, Notwithstanding III
brave words, the girl wavercd in IL
gust Of this mans overmastering e;
element. The mist closed round theI
all signs Of other human presence di
appeared, and they soon stood alone
a world of gray light wherein neith'
sky nor horizon line appeared. a
that remained of the-earth was lit
strip of ground beneath their feet.
Raymond stopped at last and he
toward Ann n small, irregular piece
rock. do you see that?' he hoarse
inquired.
She took it wonderingly. us it ore
Eyes, and it's heavy with gold. Kt
y's luck has won again. We've ope
ed vein that will make us both rich
There was no tremor or doubt in Ii
tone.
ooh, I'm so gladw she cried out, vii
unaffected pleasure. Now Mrs. Kel
can go to live in the valley"
"Never mind the Kellys now"
cried out impatiently. II have gre
deal to say to you, and want to So
, it here. I'm going to try and win you
His manner was eXultnnt, his vol
; tense with passion. II am bold to rec
lessness today"
He had never been humble. Now
rose above her, masterful, an avowe
lover. and his eyes burning down in
. hers made her shrink and SILVER as
from cold.
He misread the movement. Are yc
warm enough?" he asked tenderly.
hope you are, for want to tell you
explain to you-why l am here. l.
us sit here" He indicated u flat roc
"This is our only opportunity. No OF