Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1907-01-12
CHAPTER vI.-(Continued.)


matters; so unused to being opposed, or,
indeed, to having his wisdom questioned,
that this sudden act of rebellion almost
took his breath away. Was Sadie in
earnest? Did she really mean to go
against his wishes-to set up her opinion
In opposition to hisl 1t was impossible,
he told himself wrathfully. Yet as he
looked down at the white, resolute little
face he could not doubt that Sadie meant
what she said.
'If you do so, it will be against my
express desire, Sadie" he answered; "and
you must be prepared to take the con-
sequences"
You mean"-there was, a note of con-
tempt in Sadie's clear voice-"that you
will not help me or stand by me; that
you are too much afraid of our little
worlds opinion to hold out a helping
hand to the girl who loves you and is to
be your wife? The girl who, though she
may have been indiscreet. did nothing
really wrong, and is heartily sorry for
her fault and humbly asks your forgive
that, Geoffrey?"
gered Godfrey afresh. He felt that she
was disappointed in him; that she had
mentally weighed him in the balance and
had found him wanting; and that never
more, no matter what came, would he &C.
cupy quite the same high place in her
heart The knowledge that Sadie dared
to Judge him increased his anger.
81 do mean it, he said sulkily; "and
i / hol ~ 70
any gossip or scandal about my future
wife. You don't understand these things,
Sadie. A man can swim harmless
through sea of scandal, but once let
woman be overtaken by it and she sinks
to the bottom at once. Do as you like,
take my advice or leave it; but-take the
consequences as WELL" he added darkly.
The disdain in Sadie's face deepened as
she answered.
1--WE had better understand each other
clearly, Godfrey. 1t will save a lot of
trouble afterwards. What do you mean
by these dark hints these eonse-
quences ?"
Il mean that if you disobey me and
disregard my wishes all must be over be-
tween us" cried Godfrey, who was now
in towering passion.
Sadie started and shivered again. She
looked at him first incredulously, then
smiled family.
well, that is plain enough, anyhow, -
she said, and she glanced down at the
third finger of her left hand. where a dia-
mond ring was flashing. How proud Sa-
die had been of that ringl How gaily
she had shown it to jim, and all her girl
friends; and declared that the dream of
her life was realized, for that, above all
things, she had longed to possess half
hoop of diamonds. For a moment she
looked at the ring, then quietly drew it
off her finger and offered it to Godfrey.
Perhaps / had better return this at
once" she said composedly.
Godfrey frowned and shook his head.
Don't talk nonsense, Sadie" he said,
coldly. There will be no need, hope,
to resort to such extreme measures. At
present you are excited, but when you
have had time for reflection l feel sure
you will see the wisdom of the advice I
have given you, and assent to my
wishes"
81 don't think So Geoff"
"0h, yes, you will, my deari Unless
you wish to lose my love, and the respect
of all right minded people-and that
cannot think possible" he answered
gravely. "There is no need to discuss
the matter further until we see the result
of the inquest"
Sadie smiled. "And what about my
own self-respect, Godfrey, if by my ST.
lence l allow an innocent man to be ac-
cused of crime he never committed ?"
she asked. Gould l retain that as we'll
as your love and the respect of the right
minded people you speak of? Or is that
to go for nothing?"
Gas to that-you cannot expect to get
off scot-free; you must suffer the con-
sequence of your folly" he said, and
then his frown relaxed little. Sadie
was really so pretty, so desirable in every
way; it was difficult to look at her and
retain tone of severity suitable for the
occasion. Think the matter over well
Sadie; you are a sensible little girl on
the whole, and l feel sure that when
come tomorrow evening you will tell me
you are willing to abide by my advice
at all events at present No" he added
as Sadie opened her lips to reply, Il will
not listen now. Good night, dear!"
He bowed his head and kissed her fore
head, then went quickly out of the room,
and in another moment Sadie heard the
outer door close behind him.
For long time she stood looking down
at the dying fire, longing, as she had
never longed before in her life, for Jim
for her father, for help and sympathy
for some true friend who would stand by
her in the hour of trial and strengthen
her to do what was right-some one who
would put expediency and the fear of the
worlds opinion altogether aside, and
count it utterly worthless in comparison
with truth and honesty She had hoped
to find that help, that friend, in Godfrey
and he had sorely disappointed and failed
her in her hour OF need-he, her atfianced
husband, the one person to whom she
ought naturally to turn for help and
sympathy! Had Jim been right in his
estimate of Geoff's character?
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