Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1907-06-05
CHAPTER III.
The One Woman.

| scanned each face intently as I
approached them. There was a high,
delicate color on the cheeks of the
elder woman She was frowning
| slightly. | could not be sure whether
curiosity or annoyance was the domi-
nant note of her bearing But pres
emily saw that it was rather resent
ment and thinly yelled contempt.
During the past week scorn and con-
tempt had flashed from too many eyes
that l should misinterpret that look.
They knew, then, the story of my dis
grace. That fact would explain the
expression of contempt; but why this
strange resentment, this indignation?
| The younger woman, the daughter,
for the likeness was unmistakable, sat
motionless as l approached The atti-
tude was significant of feeling more
| hostile and deeper than that which
| agitated the mother.
| 1t was the mother who spoke. not
without evident reluctance:
| rs it true that you are Mr. Haddon
Mr.. Ernest Haddon?
1T is true,' replied quietly.
Then you were with Mr.. Lawrence
Willoughby when the tragedy oc-
| curred?" she continued in deep,
even voice.
Eyes, madam"
Il am Mrs. Brett This is my daugh-
ter, Miss Brett"
Again 1 bowed gravely. The girl
made a slight inclination. but her
eyes still gaZed intently at the little
beacon light that still burned on the
mountain.
l heard the name at first with an
idle curiosity. Then vaguely l re-
peated it to myself. / had heard it
before. 1t awoke startled memories.
vainly tried to place these people
who were compelling themselves to
speak to me with so evident a reluct-
ance and hesitation.
Il am sure | have heard. only late.
ly-'
Perhaps" assented Mrs Brett bit
terly. 1T was Mr.. Willoughby him.
self
Mother The daughter touched
the mothers arm appealingly.
Yes l said in low voice, 81 re-
member now"
Then. SIR and the question rose
to a crescendo of restrained feeling.
when We were informed only a mo-
ment ago that you were Mr. Haddon.
you will understand why we have sent
for you?"
Yes, madam, / understand You
wish to hear from my lips-the lips
Of thu oft l,o
Willoughby had loved the daughte-
When death had faced us together, he
had spoken of her. At such a time
one opens ones heart, even to
stranger. And he had told me of his
hearts desire; he had told me of his
despair that she had not returned his
love. At least not openly. But now.
when it was too late, perhaps she
realized that she had loved him after
all. If that were so. with what abb
horrence must she regard me. And il
were to tell her everything-that he
had died reproaching me for cow
ardice- Yes, pain and humiliation
were indeed to be the price of this
meeting.
Yet outwardly | maintained a stole
calm. | knew there must be no ex-
cuses for myself Whether this WON
an had loved him or not, at least his
memory must be sacred to her. The
man who was dead had paid the last
penalty of presumption and folly. But
that must not be limited at; it was NV
weakness and cowardice that must
emphasize.
Helena, Mrs Brett turned to her
daughter, would you prefer that Mr..
Haddon speak to you alone?''
Yes, mother, should prefer that"
Il shall wait for you, Helena, in the
writing room. Good evening, Mr..
Haddon."
CTo BE CoNTINUKD1 -