Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1906-05-12
CHAPTER XIII

CHAPTER XIII.
Notwithstanding all Pelling's efforts,
the story soon got into the newspapers,
and, II being the dull season, was seized
upon with avidity by the gossip purvey-
ors. 1t was "dlshed" and "redished"
day after day, with numberless distor-
tons, exaggerations and additions. One
society journal had It that the beautiful
Miss NJ of M Park, In Exbridge-
shire, had attempted TO poison her hus-
band, TO whom she had been secretly
married only a month OF two, In order to
become the wife of a celebrated II. A.,
with whom she had fallen deeply In love;
while another declared that the husband
presented himself at the altar with ps-
tolls, and, dragging his would-be success
sor outside the sacred edifce, insisted
upon a duel there and then, and wound
ed him dangerously In the shoulder. and
that the unfortunate man now lay In a
most critical condition, while the hus-
band had carried off his reluctant bride,
a veritable prisoner, on board his yacht,
for a twelyemonths cruise In the Pa
cihc.
At last Polling, annoyed beyond meas
ure at these absurd stories, decided to
lay bare the truth. With the assistance
Of his lawyer, he drew up a concise state
ment Of the real facts, giving his own
and Pauline's name In full. but suppress
ing Jacks. He carefully conveyed the
idea that Pauline believed him to be
dead, and gave the circumstance to her
change of name as sufficient to account
for his not having discovered her exist
ence since his return from Africa. This
he sent TO two Of the daily newspapers,
and, thus Invested Of all mystery, the
story lost its charm, and no longer af-
fordsd any interest.
Polling sent one of these newspapers,
with his own letter specially distinguish
ed, to Ethel by post, and the next morn
Ing he called In Buckingham street to
make matters clearer.
Ethers frank eandor once more over
came the difficulties Of the situatlon she
stood at the top Of the stairs with her
hands outstretched and her face bright
with friendly interest.
81 have been longing to see you" she
began, warmly, as they entered the room;
I'VE have both so much that is wonder
full to tell each otherw
She looked at him steadfastly as he
stood In the light from the window, and
pulse with a sudden pity, but she would
not give way TO the impulse that urged
her to console him. She went on, lit
tie hurriedly at first:
81 can see that your pleasant news is
In some way mixed up with painful
thoughts; so, as mine is altogether pleas
ant, l shall speak first. To begin-papa
came home last night, and he has brought
tka f,tl Il h
fairy tale! l don't suppose you know yet
that your wife Is my cosin r'-Captain
Polling started at the words-"I knew
you would be greatly pleased. My faith
er IL not really Mr.. Mallett-his true
name is Sir Godfrey Mailing. and he is
your wife's uncle. In some extraordinary
way, which papa will explain. the whole
Of the Malllngford property comes to
him in the event Of Psuline's marrying
under twenty-five without her guardian
consent; so, you see. We are going to be
very great people. | believe my mother
was not so well born as papa, and the
late baronet was so angry when he
heard Of the marriage that he dislnherit-
ed papa. who at once changed his name
and worked hard TO keep his wife.
hope you are not angry with us because
We kOluA 10 NAV away f'tA WAAN
wealth. OF course that is only non
sense, l know you are not angry; I've
heard you say often how glad you would
have been to share what you have with
her."
Ethel paused. Polling did not speak,
and she felt little anxious. She had
unintentionally stumbled upon the sub
ject; but she knew Il could not be
avoided between them. so she screwed
up her courage and went on:
Perhaps l should not say what | am
going TO say; but no real harm can come
from NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. We have been
such good friends Ia the past that We
need not stay TO pick and choose our
words 10 each other. need wei ! wan
to congratulate you on the recovery Of
your wife: but there is something In your
face that checks me. VIII you tell me
all about it7''
81 can't tell you all about It," he sadi
II only know that my wife refused &c