Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-04-17

I I1uNlIS Illus ulSclluTSeu lleF eFFuuu,
she FASTENED to the front door, which
had been left open, and out to the
steps, evidently with the intention of
removing herself as soon and rs far as
possible from the vicinity of the H.
brary.
Eugene, visibly perturbed. followed
her to the doorway of the room and
paused.
do You know the way?" he inquir-
ed, with n note of solemnity.
Where" Ariel had not risen.
ITO the library"
"Of course" she said, beaming upon
him. 81 was about to ask you if you
wouldn't speak to the judge for me.
This is such comfortable old friend,
this chair"
Speak to him for you?" repeated
the nonpiused Eugene.
She nodded cheerfully. of l may
trouble you. Tell him certainly
shall be glad to see him."
Eugene went. There was nothing
else to do And he wished with every
step that the distance to the portals
Of the library might have been greater.
In whatever guise he delivered the
summons, 1t was perfectly efficacious.
A door slammed, a heavy and rapid
tread was heard in the hall, and Ariel,
without otherwise moving, turned her
head and offered brilliant smile of
greeting.
at was good of you," she said as the
doorway filled with red, imperial wrath,
"to wish to have a little chat with me-
I'm anxious, of course, to go over my
affairs with you. and last night after
my journey l was too tired. But now
we might begin, not in detail of course,
just yet. That will do for later when
I've learned more about business"
The great one had stopped on the
threshold.
Madam" he began coldly, "when
say my library mean N.Y.
"Oh, yes" she interrupted, with ami
! able WEAKNESS; 81 know. You mean
You keep all the papers and books of
the estate in there, but 1 think we'd
better put them off for few days.
I'm not talking about the estater
he exclaimed. "What I want to talk
to you about is being seen with Joseph
Louden."
Yes" she nodded brightly. That's
along the line we must take up first"
eyes, it Isl" He hurled his bull bass
| at her. You knew everything about
| him and his standing in this communi
ty! know you did, because Mrs. Pike
told me rou asked all about him from
Mamie after you came last night, and
see here, don't YOU
"Oh, but l knew before that" she
laughed. II had correspondent In
Canaan, one who has always taken n
great interest in Mr.. Louden. asked
Miss Pike only to get her own point of
view"
81 want to tell you, madam" he
shouted, coming toward her, that no
member of my household
"Thats another point we must take
up today. Pm glad you remind me of
it." she said thoughtfully, yet with so
magically compelling an intonation
that he stopped his shouting in the
middle of a word, stopped with an
apoplectic splitter. I'VE must arrange
to put the old house in order at once"
We'll arrange nothing of the Sort
lie responded after moment of angry
silence. you're going to stay right
here
"Ah, know your hospitality" she
bowed graciously. But of course |
must not tax 1t too far. And about
Mr.. Louden? AS l said, l want to
speak to you about him.
Yes" he interviewed harshly, 80 do
1, and Pm going to do it quick! You'll
1nd"-
Again she mysteriously battied him.
Hes dear old friend of mine, you
know, and / have made up my mind
that we both need his help, you and -
WHAT!
YES" she continued calmly, Gin q
business way, mean. l know yon
have great interests in Il hundred d.
rections, all more important than miIll
1t isn't fair that you should bear tn
whole burden of my affairs, and !
think it will be best to retain Mi.
1 LOuden as my man of business IL.
could take all the cares of the estu,.
off your shoulders"
Martin Pike spoke no word, but h..
looked ut her strangely, and she watch
ed him with sudden keenness, leanin,t
| forward in her chair, her gaze ala:'.
but quiet, fixed on the dilating pupils
of his eyes. He seemed to become
dizzy, and the choleric scarlet which
, had overspread his broad face and hi:
neck faded splotchily.
Still keeping her eyes upon him, she
went on: ~ haven't asked him yet.
and SO l don't know whether or not
he'll consent, but ] think it possible
that he may come to see me this after
noon, and il he does we can propose
! it to him together and go over things
n little"
Hell get warm welcome" he prom
| ised husliily, ''if he sets foot on mT
| premses!'
You mean you prefer l shouldn't
receive him here?' She nodded pleas
antly. "rhen certainly / shall not.
! Such things are much better for offices:
you are quite right" She swept light
~ and quickly TO the door, where She
paused, gathering her skirts. 81 s.al!
not detain you another Instant! .lla
II Mr.. Louden comes this afternoon I'll
remember. I'll not let him come III.
OF course. 1t will be perhaps pleas
anter to talk over my proposition rs
we Walk 70
There was very faint, spicy olor,
like wild roses and cinnamon, left in
the room where Martin Pike stood
alone, staring Whitley ut the open do ~
way.
CHAPTER XIII.
"N HERE WINS n rnstnm nf Common