Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-07-20
riotous living that had brought him for
a time under the ban Of the authori-

time under the ban of the authori-
/ ties.
| As Henry elaborated his scheme to
perfect the Yeomanry in their country,
Jim acknowledged that there was no
question of his undoubted ability to be
In command. He succumbed to the
strong personal charm of his cousin.
Surely Henry would control himself
and make worthy showing of his
! life yet. In Jim's heart was the silent
prayer that 1t might be SO, and that
perhaps he could help him to attain
this result.
Diana, listening, was happy in the
apparent new bond between the cous-
ms. She had been so eager for this:
that Jim should be with them as he
had teen when he was boy. Since
her marriage, her life had been full
Of pleasant days, with only here and
there the pin-prick Of the old, frighten-
ed instincts. 1t usually occurred when
Henry was in one Of his black moods.
Up to the present he had tried to
avoid her on these occasions. She
strangely rebelled when she came to
realize that It was her beauty which
gave him his greatest pleasure. That
It was primarily her youth and love.
illness that delighted him, he made no
effort to conceal, At times she admit
ted to herself that she wished It we're
not SO fagrant--this frank, pagan joy,
LOT the senses which she invoked in
him. But, she reasoned, If she allowed
these thoughts to brighten her, she
was catching at shadows OF tangi-
Bile facts there was none; indeed she
found 1t impossible to explain salts
factorily these doubts and regrets.
Jim was promising Henry that he
would think seriously Of the Yeomanry
work, when Diana suddenly remember
ed that Henry and she we're due at
a studio to see a portrait of hers that
was soon to be exhibited. At the
moment note was brough to Henry.
Jim observed the quick contraction of
Henry's brows and the sharp biting Of
his lips as he read 1t. Henry crump-
led the letter. "Jim can take YOU"
he brusquely said. ''The note is of
importance and requires my imme-
date attention. It's concerning my IN
tsrview of this morning"
Diana's face showed her disappoint.
ment.
"But this is the third time that
you've broken YOUR appointment with
~.
YOU would surely give your decision
on the picture to-day" Diana protest.
ed. Besides, IL Is difficult for me to
take all the responsibility in the mat.
ter, and the picture must be sent to.
day to the exhibition. Do meet me
there later, Henry"
Henry had been fighting the Ftiriea
for days; his financial worries were
now vital to his honor. Into his eyes
came the brutal fash that Jim knew
SO well, and he hurriedly interviewed
"Ifl go with you. Di, with pleasure, II
/ can be of the slightest service to
! YOU"
!: Instead of Helping the situation
Jim found that his quick acquiescence
although suggested by Henry had the
f. effect Of further Irritating him. Henry
turned from the door, to which he had
crossed, with the scrpmpled note in his
hand; all the old, domineering rebel
lious temper struck flame.
, There! You have jim What more
can you wish7 Your hero's opinion
Will no doubt interest you far more
than mine, 80 don't talk rot about your
!, disappointment"
Diana stood silent, amazed at hei
: husbands uncalled-for fury. jim
found 1t impossible to speak The
!, servant returned to see If the answer
!. to the note was ready
J Henry commended for few seconds
with tempestuous remorse as strong
as the flare Of his nervous outbreak
he bitterly regretted his lack of con.
troll. He had tried to conceal the
: strain he had been under all the day;
: to be thwarted as he APPARENTLY was
!. by the news from Petrie, was to
1 arouse the demons of destruction in
characterization to himself as vel
: as to those near him. He cursed him
self as the victim of his own folly;
but to see Jim master of the situa
ton reused the old rebellion of his
3 boyhood. A movement from the wait
ing servant recalled him, and will
= a few words of half-muttered apology
: he hurriedly left the room. A nom
4 ent later they heard him drive away
: From so small matter so great
!, a consequence had arisen. This in
8 sight into Henry's nature again show
t ed Jim the quicksands on which Di
t ana's happiness was built.
! To Diana the incident was embar
RAISING but with infinite tact she MAIDS
? no allusion to it. Jim maryelled a,
n the quiet control with which she deft
t ,ly turned it aside.
The carriage was announced.
: "Wili You come, Jim?" Diana ask
J. ed.
!, He hesitated
0 EDO she coaxingly said. cit would
t. help me-
Under the calm, serious face HI
= could see the tremulous expression
f that showed her quivering hurt feel
s ings. The tender eyes held him fast
Still he hesitated. AS in moment Of
h provision he was urged to say no;
seemed as though he we're startins
on q way that led him into darkness
!. !, The absurd compelling force fastened
= around him tight grip; he tried tx
y stammer few words: he was irritat
,. ed by his apparent stupidity, then h,
l. heard Diana say:
9 4Let me decide for you"
AS she spoke shaft of golden ligh
y penetrated the room Why should