The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-06-12

this young Forde, you. viii naturally
desire to tell him ALL" said Lady Sis.
terson. Il am willing to believe that
you imagine at present that you can
keep what you call our secrets to your
self. / can also believe that IL you did
not know and care for this young man
1t would not occur to you to say any
thing about the matter. But cannot
trust woman to be silent where she
loves-unless it is about something
discreditable in her own life. And
" .n
Mother" interposed Maxwell, II do
not think you are doing any good. 1t
will be far Better to leave these ne
gotiations to me-"
Really, MAXWELL"
Maxwell replied to this protest by
going to the door and holding it open
for Lady Sisterson to pass out.
Leave this matter to me-" he said,
as she left the room.
Il was afraid" said Maxwell, shut
ting the door and standing in front of
it. that Lady Sisterson might only
exasperate you; she has rather an ex-
asperating manner, must confess.
When she interrupted us had made
you an offer of an annuity Of 500
pounds. What do you say, nurse?"
II decline it. have nothing more
to add" and she moved toward the
door, but he barred the way.
Pardon me-" he said. "but 1 have
something more to say"
Whatever it was he did not saw It
at once, but kept on gazing at Christa-
bel until she became uncomfortable
and then indignant
''Why are you OBTAINING me?" she
asked. Il have given you my word to
be silent about your father. What
more do you want from me?"
Just moment" he said, and he
looked away from her, thinking.
Il wish 1 knew the truth about you
and Forde," he said. after long
pause.
What has it to do with your ask
ed Christabel, with keen resentment
in her voice.
He was silent again for some time.
Il feel that what am about to say
may appear crude, abrupt, and un-
timely" he said, at length. IF you
are really in love with Forde, sup
pose there is no chance for me, but
what mother said suggests to me that
perhaps you are not very much in love
with him, otherwise you would tell
him what you think you know. I am
in a great difficulty and you do not
help me-"
Help you! do not understand
you," cried Christabel.
81 admire you immensely" he went
on, with sudden ardor. "You are a
pretty woman, woman of spirit and
rare intelligence, and you are lady.
Your birth is as good as mine. know
no woman whom can put beside you.
You are charming!"
Mr.. Sisterson!" exclaimed Christa-
bel.
II love you," said Maxwell, his tones
quick and unsteady. "You charmed
me from the first-you must know it.
You must have seen that l cared for
you, that loved you. Will you he my
wife-will you marry me, Christabel?"
His voice seemed eager, earnest,
even sincere. Heaven only knows
what in the depths of his heart he in
tended, but it was one of the two ways
that had occurred to him as likely to
ensure Christabel's silence; and it
must be added that, after fashion, he
was in love with Christabel. At the
moment he thought he meant what he
said. And Christabel thought so, too,
but as the price of her silence.
II would not marry you," she said,
IF you were the only man in the
world. You talk of love! You say
that you love me. What do you know
of love? You wish to marry me be-
cause in that way you think you will
make certain that shall never reveal
what have learned about your father.
And you call that love!'
Ito Be continued.)
NEw AIAeHAN r,o.s