Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-04-04
By EFFHE a. ROWLANDS

hundred l am saved ~ His hands clos
ed over the notes. Saved Yes, and by
you-you, the woman l love with all my
soul; you"
Jack half started forward. but he was
not quicker than Audrey in her move
ment Of horror. With a gesture of con-
tempt and pride she struck aside his
outstretched hand.
DO you think l bring you this money
to save you?" she asked in hurried tones
you, the worst. the greatest enemy 1
have in the world No, no; l have done
what | have done for love and pity for
one whose heart is breaking Though you,
whose whole life has been one sacrifice
for you, who"
Beverley interrupted her with his soft,
low laugh. Her contempt dashed him
into a state of fury.
And does Lady Iverne think that the
world will look upon her actions in the
same light as she does? What will be
said when it is known that you, young,
lovely woman. came here alone at night
fall to provide me with money to escape
a prison cell, eh?'
Il do not fear the world, Mr. Roch-
III l.. nave uOhc "udL 1 nave uOue lot
the motives l have given. Let what will
be said, be said; my conscience is clear.
| have no more to say" she said, haught-
lily; but Beverley moved forward and
stood in her path.
And do you think I am going to part
with you like this after all these weary,
horrible months? Say what you like to
the world, Audrey, act what part you
will, but l know the truth. You have
come here tonight to save me, not be-
cause of my Aunt Agatha, but because
you love me, and"
Jacks heart was beating so furiously
it almost choked him; but he did not in
terfere yet. He felt that Audrey would
defend herself. He waited brea thlessly
for her answer. 1t came swiftly
And you call yourself man? You,
who insult defenseless woman, who
work against a woman in mean, under
hand way that would shame the lowest
of earthly creatures Love you! You
Why, if there were not another living
soul in the world, if my very life depend
ed on it, l would still give the same reply.
Love you! l hate, despise, condemn
you l have no wish to see you or hear
you speak again. When l remember all
you have done to my happiness, II
could almost curse you! Love you
how bitter and strong the girls voice
was-"when my very soul is full of love
for one whose shoes you are not worthy
to touch, one who is a man of honor, up
right and pure as the sun. There Is no
place for any one but my husband in
my heart-the husband whom you have
worked to rob me of-you and Sheila
Fraser Don't speak to me again! Don't
touch mel | am not the simple, foolish
girl l was; l am a woman with a wom-
ans heart, a woman's pride, a woman's
love- and my misery, which you have
caused, Is sometimes greater than I can
bear. Let me pass, Beverley Rochfort
Go into the world and say what evil you
like of me; l am content if 1 am only
free from you, and 1 pray heaven I may
never meet you again! J"
| Beverley broke in swiftly. His voice
was soft but dangerous.
Your words sting, but they do not
| spoil your lips; those lovely lips, which
are mine by right Let you pass! No.
Audrey, win do nothing of the sort
| We are here alone, and we do not part
until have clasped your proud heart to
mine, and taken from your lips the kisses
l claim. Poor, foolish, futtering child,
what use to struggle? You are in my
power now, and
And you are in mine ~ shouted Jack,
rushing forward, and with one blow
telling the coward to the ground
Audrey staggered; her lips tried to
open, but no sound came. The next min
ute she was clasped in somebody's arms.
Jack! Is it really you, Jack?" she
murmured.
Jacks lips assured her that it was no
myth. How he kissed her-eyes, hair,
brow, cheek, lps-as though he would
never tire. Then glance at that form
lying on the ground recalled him to the
present.
Come" he said. gently; come, my
darling! My pretty, brave, noble, good
little wife,
AS in dream Audrey felt herself led
away to where the carriage lamps gleam-
ed
Jack lifted her in and shut the door.
Il will be back in a moment" ne said
his voice deep with passionate love.
Take care; oh, take care !" Audrey
murmured. and he gave her a smile of re-
assurance before he turned away.
THE cur has gomez he said in tones
of the heartest contempt when he re-
turned. Not trace of him anywhere
Drive straight home. Donald he said tc
the man, and then, as they were shut il
alone, he simply gathered Audrey into
his arms and held her in silence to his
heart.
Home and happine - he said. al
last Dear little wife, am l forgiven?'
"Oh, hush Audrey's hand went VI
to his lips. 1T Is l who should ash
that my darling. l.
1--WE will ask nothing, seek for nothing
now we are alone and together again"
And then mis- arms chung close abou
the slender, graceful form; his lips wer'
pressed to the delicate. iower-like face
and TO both these young. troubled hearts
peace and JOY came. with their COLDER
fingers, TO heal all the wounds that re
manned from the bitterness of the past.
(The End.)