Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-09-17

come from her lips. But every wore
struck home to Tankerlane's heart
The passion slowly died from his
face, and hard look came into his
eyes. Then he let go of the girl, anc
walked away from her. She flung her
self on a sofa, and, burying her face
IN her hands, sobbed piteously,
He turned round, looked at her fol
moment, and then, walking over tt
the door, locked 1t, and placed the
! key in his pocket.
| Laurie" he said gently, when he
had returned to her side.
| She did not move nor answer him
But her body quivered at the sound
of his voice, as though he had struck
it with whip.
Laurie, "she continued, forgive me
did not know what l was doing
love you so much. I cannot lose you
The violence Of my passion carried
me away, made me forget. l have
been brute. But l wish to put
things straight / wish to do what is
fair and honorable Will you talk
over matters quietly with me?"
The mans voice was tender and
broken with emotion He stood be-
fore her like guilty criminal plead
ing for his life. But she did not
answer him.
Laurie" he cried flerce1y. 81 do
not plead to you in the name of love;
that would be useless, for you do not
love me. I only want 70 do what is
best for you. Will you listen to me,
and discuss matters calmly? l only
wish to do what is right" Laura
raised her tear-stained face from the
cushions of the sofa, and loked at him
with fear and loathing In her eyes.
There is nothing to be said,' she
replied mechanically.
There is much to be said" he re-
torted. Let us put the question of
love aside. I only wish to consider
your position"
Laura rose to her feet with an ugly
look on her face
the one you have placed me in. Does
1t give you any satisfaction to talk
about it?"
81 WISH" he answered humbly, "to
make amends"
There is nothing to be said" she
cried, turning away from him, moth
ing to be done. l do not wish to hear
you. l am going to leave you now,
and l hope that l shall never set eyes
on you again. Every minute l stay in
this room is fresh stain on my good
name. | will leave here at once"
She walked across to the door, and,
turning the handle shook it violently.
Then she came swiftly back to Tank
erlane, and her eyes blazed with an
ger
Give me the key of that door," she
cried, cor l will ring the bell"
The mans face hardened and his
mouth closed like a vice.
Give me the key of that door," she
"unless you wish us to be
the talk of the servants in the hotel"
you will not dare" he replied
firmly; you have some pride, some
respect for yourself
81 have no pride, no respect for my
self. l know we'll enough what l am
what you have made me. Give me
the key Of that door,"
cor Gods sake be calm, Laurie"
he exclaimed. 81 wish to put things
straight All the world believes you
to be my wife. No one need ever
know the truth. Leonore will not speak
She does not love me. She is fond
Of you. She will not speak, for your
sake. She has no wish to obtain her
rights"
How dare you'll" she cried. "Give
NE the key of that door-at once or
will rouse the whole hotel"
The girls gentle face was trans
igured with passion, and no none who |
lad seen her at that moment would |
lave recognized the cold and court
sous Mrs. Tankerlane. Her cheeks
famed crimson her hands were
;lenched, and there was light almost
If madness in her eyes. Her body
rembled from head to foot, and the
,eins stood out on her forehead. If
! weapon had been ready to her
land she would have used it, for she
lad lost all control of her reason.
Hush, Laurie" the man replied in
firm voice, you know l did not
mean that. We can be married. A
ivorce can be easily arranged. was
carried in America, and divorce ex-
ties no comment there. No one will
ear of it. Then we can be married
n registry office, and the world will
now nothing, save that we are still
1an and wife. There will be no
candal. Your reputation will have
o slur cast upon it. | am sure my I,
life will agree to an arrangement of
his sort. She will be glad to be free"
md he laughed bitterly.
"And l, too, am glad to be free"
ried Laura; cay, glad = from the
ottom of my heart Give me the key
f the door, and let me out of my
rison."
The mans eyes flashed dangerous
'. So far he had controlled his tenn
er, and had assumed the position of
suppliant. But he could restrain
imself no longer.
Il am sorry l have wasted my pity
n you" he said coldly Il only wish
to do what was right l wished to
eep your name unsullied love YOU
nd desire to shield you from harm"
Il have no desire for your pity or
our protection she retorted hotly.
You have acted like blackguard.
nd my only wish is to be rid of ,