The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1908-07-23
CHAPTER XXI

Hillary, Why don't you speak? Are
sou angry with me-? l could not help it.
I did not mean" Her thoughts fly
to the upper chamber. where the ever
lasting stars looked down upon her, and
where beneath their light she had said
NO to Everard's proposal of marriage.
Is it that? Should she not have gone
there? But they all saw her go, and said
nothing How has she offended him? The
pretty color dies away from her half
parted lips.
Il know l have no right to dictate to
you what you should or should not do.
And as for being angry, why should | be
angry? We are all free TO do as we will.
If you think my manner severe, it is
merely that l would suggest to you, as
being one of my family, that at such al
hour as this. you" He stops.
Should not be here" interrupts she
eagerly. Yes. / know now. Bat they
were all here a moment ago.
"A moment, Your moments seem to
have flown on wings" sill with that
cruel smile, in the room up there with
Everard"
Hillary, Oh, it is impossible ~ in a
low, bet intensely vivid voice. You
must know how il was"
You are right do.''
"You are mad ~ cries the girl with 2
little indignant gesture. You don't I'M
derstand. You LETT me. to go down 10
Sir Lucien-you remembers"
Certainly. 1t gave splendid oppor-
tunity." A pause.
Il never thought of yor before. as
Ia he TVor
is quite changed. All the sweetness, the
love, the dearness of it, seems dead, kill
ed But l have often beard II is diff
cult to know anyone. Believe me or not.
as you will, however, / vent up there
to see the stars with Mr.. Everard; they
could be seen more clearly there, and
why give yourself so much trouble ?
Why not let this very amusing game you
have played with him and me como 10 an
end now-so far as l am concerned. at
all events?" Grief and wrath lave rem
dered him quite incapable IF fathoming
the wretched things he is saying.
Amber's eyes, resting on MS. grow larg-
er. brighter, but her face is the color of
death.
Il don't think you know what ycu are
saying" says she coldly
All, Don't let it degenerate into a
farce -
You mean our engagement" says she
presently, having gathered up her ccdrage
with a wonderful strength. There was
none, however That at least you rust
remember. And am glad of il now
l am thankful that there is no real bond
between me and-you." The sweet, deep
eyes. so angry, so troubled n their
depths. are still fastened upon his. Scorn
lies in their depths.
This is a convenient occasion for YOU
to get rid of me" says Adare calmly.
when a woman trifes with two men. it
is well for her TO have just cause for
getting ri. ut the last. of the one who
is the Ie? rabie. | congratulate you
on your You have not only got
rid Of any scandal, but you
have erard. who is beyond
doubt man of the two"
Il ere man - says she
slowly.
Nv u were.' cries he, "for
then Il, you" There is such
frightfu sion in his tone that invol-
unfairly she draws back Amber, What
udLlt or lOu-lOI YOU Illo ucSpcI-
ate grief makes him brutal. why did
your father give you such a name as
that?"
why should he not?" She lifts her
small, beautiful head and smiles at him
defantly. lit was, however, my moth
er's suggestion: but afterwards my faith
er said it quite suited me. Because
her defiance now is OF the very highest
order-"he said | looked so clear ~
Clear, You. And to deceive me so
To go up there tonight" pointing to the
tiny staircase that leads to the topmosl
room Of the tower, with Everardv'
II don't understand about Mr.. Ever
ard You and yours have received hin
as friend, think, during my stay here
Yet now you talk of him, as if :.
But''-with a scornful gesture-"I car,
very little for Mr.. Everard. AS to my
mothers naming me Amber. she thought
of my complexion then, l think. not Of
my heart. You see," scoffingly, ''it wa.
almost transparent when / was born A.
for what it is now-or my heart either
-" She shrugs her shoulders. A yer,
agony of rage has caught and overwhelm
ed her. let all the good of life go by fol-
the sake of a moments. revenge upor
this one human being whom. of all tn,
world. she has learned to love-
Her air, her attitude. enrages him.
"How dare you speak TO me like that 2
cries he, catching her suddenly by boil
shoulders. and holding her as if in vice
Let me go!" Her voice rings clear
If low, and without touch of fear in it
She swings herself sharply out of hi
grasp. and at once walks towards til,
staircase beyond
Ii is done We, quickly. but she hai
hardly reached the middle part of the gal
lery when he is beside her. his face
Is still dark with anger and distrr st, Dr.
he has followed her.
Amber. Don't go, Was I, or was
not, mad to speak to you like that? Blu
If you will speak-will explain"
II shall not explain" Her face is a
white as death.
you refuse me one word" He ha
fallen on his knees before her. What i
ANYTHING to-all the world contains-sav
this one little slender girl, DeliberateI.
che loosens his fingers from her gown.
Even one" she says.
I:e regains his feet slowly, very slow
ly: so slowly, indeed. that it gives 81
Iucien. who is coming up the gallery a
this late hour, sufficient time to Sc
him on his knees before her.
''Hah - cries he. hurrying up an
speaking before reaching them Hi
voice, harsh and resonant. rings alon
the gallery. so I have found you on
at last Holary, are you dead 10 al
your interests? Marry that girl point
ing TO Amber with a quiverin;, foreingel
that suggests a venomous anC a lifelon
hatred-"and not one penny OF mine shal
ever be yours. As for you he turn
to Amber a face black with passion
regret | ever let my niece invite 20
here
Tomorrow l leave your house, sh
gays. She takes a step towards hin
aud Sir Lucien, as if cowed by the grand
eur of her air, steps hacl; little. Their
is, indeed. something splendid in tn
scorn of her young face And befor
going | beg you to understand that
have no desire whatever TO marry Car