The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-23

frocks for years. Why should come here on this special day on that ac- count?" Even as she was speaking she felt that 1t would be we'll to abari- don this ground of inquiry. It had clearly told her all it could. She would learn more by some other means. So she went on in playful way, as a cat-not kitten--does when 1t gets a mouse:
 That reason wont woEh. Harold. Its quite rusty in the Joints. But never mind iti Tell me why you have come so eariy?" This seemed to liar old to be a heaven sent opening; he rushed in at oncei
 Because, stephen. wanted to ask you to be my wife! Oh! Stephen. don't you know that I love you? Ever since you were a little grill When you were little girl and big boy loved you. I have loved you ever since with. all my heart and soul. and strength. Without you the world Is blank to me! For you and your hap piness would do anything-any- thing!"
 This was no acting. When once the barrier of beginning had been broken his soul seemed to pour itself out The man was vibrant through all hIs nature: and the woman's very soul realized It's truth. For an instant a flame of gladness swept over her: and for the time 1t lasted put all other thought aside.
 But suspicion is hard metal which does not easily yield to fire. It can come to white heat easily enough, Dut its melting point Is high indeed. When the flame had leaped it had spent its force; the reaction came quick. Steph- en's heart seemed to turn to ice, all the heat and life rushing to her brain Her thoughts flashed with convincing auickness; there was no time for doubting amid their rush. Her life was for good or Ill at the crossing of the ways. She had trusted Harold thoroughly. The habit of her whole life from her babyhood up had been to so look to him as comrade and pro tector and sympathetic friend. She was so absolutely sure of his earnest devotion that this new experience of a rlper feeling would have been joy to her, if 1t should be that his act was all spontaneous and done in ignorance of her shame. Shame" was the gen. eric word which now summarized to herself her thought of her conduct in proposing to Leonard. But of this she must be certain. She could not, dare not, go farther till this was settled. With the same craving for certainty with which she convinced herself that Leonard understood her overtures, and with the same dogged courage with which she pressed the matter on him she now went to satisfy her mind.
 What did you do yesterday?'
 T was at Worcester all day. I went carly. By the way. here is the rib- bon you wanted; I think it's exactly the same as the pattern" As he spoke he took a tissue paper parcel from his pocket and handed 1t to her.
 "Thanks!" she said. Did you meet any friends there?"
 Not many" He answered guarded ly; he had a secret to keep.
 Where did you diner"
 At the elubr He began to be un- easy at this questioning; but he did not see any way to avoid answering with. out creating some suspicion.
 "Did you sec any one you knew at the club?" Her voice as she spoke was a little harder. little more strained. Harold noticed the change. rather by instinct than reason. He felt that there was danger In 1t, and paused. The pause seemed to suddenly create new fury in the breast of Stephen. She felt that Harold was playing with her. Haroldi If she could not trust him, where then was she to look for trust in the world? If he was not frank with her what then meant his early com ing: his seeking her in the grove; his proposal of marriage. which seemed so sudden and so lnOppOrtuHeE he must have seen Leonard. and by some means have become acquainted with her se- cret of shame - His motive? Here her mind halted. She knew az we'll as if 1t had been trumpeted from the skies that Harold knew all But she must be certain {" Certain!
 She was standing erect. her hands down by her sides and clenched to- gether till the knuekles were white; all her body strung high-like an over pitched violin. Now she raised her right hand and flung 1t downward with q passionate movement.
 Answer mel" she cried imperious- ly Answer mel Why are you play ing with me1 Did you see Leonard Everard last night? Answer me. say.