Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-03-10
PART TWO.
CHAPTER XVII.

against the breast OF mighty Mogalyon.
In the dawn Of the second day the in
cident, having lost much of its shame
and terror, was debatable, and under
MATHS kindly counsel she reached a
certain resignation.
mo one but ourselves need know
what took place" he said In conclusion.
woo is 10 talebearer. and when the
woman herself sobers off she'll not re-
member a word of ii. Furthermore, L
warned her that Jack would wiring her
neck II he knew what she had done.
So I wouldn't give another thought Of
it-not one"
'I'n try to forget It," she promised
humbly, but she could not at once put
the experience out of mind. She could
only wait for that besotted face to fade
into q grisly apparition. In the end
she pitied the poor woman who loved
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 Barnetts-and
was profoundly troubled by 1t.
The day following the woman's visit
Munro rode down as usual to call and
seemed amazed when Mrs. Kelly greet
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 IL? What do You suppose is
the cause of IT.
From the Inner room q 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 Il crack Ike
that?"
The door closed with q decided Jar
and bolt slid.
Munro bowed. ST understand.
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."
Il can tell YOU" said Nora. with the
directness of a 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 his life Munro
was confounded- He stood for a 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."
MY wifer'
"The woman who calls herself your
wife. It's all one SO far as we are
Munro frowned "ClaIre called.
Here? Then with Ieer that was char
OF him. he added. 81 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 his voice. You tell Ann not to !
misjudge me. She must give me q
chance to square myself 1 don't claim
to be a 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 I<ow. I've cut off all
my old habits for her sake. I'm trying
to live up to her standard of things. ]
L L 1
climb. My family Is as good as hers. /
started right, and with the help of a
good woman / can get back to where i
was / claim the work i'm doing here
8 worthy her approval. Ask her to let
ne see her again"
Nora turned her face toward AIMS |
ioor and both waited in silence, but
10 sound came from the inner room,
md Nora, seeing suffering in the lines
If his face, said more kindly: "Ye may
IS well go. The door will not open to
7ou this day nor any other"
Munro turned and went out with
,owed head. and Nora could not doubt
he sincerity Of his pain.
One morning Ann rose to a singular
light. In place OF the clear, golden sun {
hine which had SO often glorified her {
Dom a blue gray mist lay thick against S
Ter window pane. Raising the sash,
he put her hand into tit was like
moke, dry and cold, Dressing hur- c
iedly she entered the sitting room, b
where Matt was helping his sons to
ress.
She stepped TO the door and looked
ut with vague alarm. The vapor had {
looted out the world. Nothing could l
e seen but the faint forms of one or $
wo cabins and clump of nearby L
rees, and she went back shivering. and l
little depressed. Il don't like to
cave the peak on such a day." she said g
{ last. II think I'll stay till the sun .
ONES out 1 want to think of 1t as it Z
as been-radiant and inspiriting"
|
yet resisting. A hush Z
ras In the air as though some disaster,
as yet. was about to be dis ID
oyered. About 10 O'Clock as she stood g
q the steps wondering whether to j
ross TO the bungalow or not Raymond b
urst from the obscurity.
Good morning." called Ann. isn't n
MS a strange effect?
His eyes were shining, his face pale 8
nd his voice vibrant as he abruptly