The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-05-29

he feared you were not we'll, as5ss you
quilted the restaurant rather hurried.
". You are looking ill3 Or worried.
dearc ertainly not yoursel what Ii
the matter?''t 3ss 5.7. 81
Il feel somewhat out Of sorts, 9, re-
piled Christabel, wishing Mary had
not disturbed her Ever since she had.
returned to Hans Square her thoughts;
had been like treadmill, endlessly
going round and round. She had tried
to sleep, but sleep, as. usual, "furthestS
retired when courted most" and feel
ing restless and unstrung she had got
up and paced the floor. Yet she was
not glad to see Mary Sisterson.
"But you are feeling better, Christa-
lbel?" asked Mary.
"a little, perhaps"
II am very glad to hear It," said
Mary, and was silent for q second or
two, scanning earnestly ChristabeIs
troubled face. won't you tell me
about it, dear? You were with your
brother and two other friends, were
you not? Maxwell told me that"
Yes, with my brother Philip and
another lady and gentleman said
Christabel. in a singularly cold and
unresponsiye way.
you are not in the least like your
self tonight" cried Mary what has
happened, dear-won't, you, tell me?"
she pleaded.
81 can't tell you, Mary" said Chris
label. and desiring to change the sub
ject she asked, How is Sir John to-
night?" M
The ever-ready tears came yelling
up into Mary's weak eyes, and num-
bling something about her father she
turned to go away. But Christabel
had seen her tears, and suddenly feel
ing that here was poor suffering
soul whose state was worse even than
Ter own went up to her with open
arms and folded her in loving en-
brace. From that moment Mary Sis
terscn resolved to unburden herself
to Christabel. Maxwell had selected
sorry instrumental he would have
thought if he had seen her then-to
carry out his instructions.
"Chr.stabel," said Mary, Il am sor-
~ for you: but oh, l am so unhappy
myself! You asked about father.
Do you know, dear, sometimes feel
that what he says about the stolen
secret and the murder of his partner
is true-the truth ITSELF
Thus Mary began her confidence,
making a half-confession, not daring
to say outright that she knew. But as
she spoke she was conscious of sud
den stifening of Christabels figure,
Of partial withdrawal from her, and
this was more than she could bear.
ooh, Christabel, don't draw yourself
away from mel" she said, imploringly.
Il do need your sympathy so much. If
you knew everything you would pity
me.'
Christabel shivered when Mary
spoke the words, eff you knew every
thing"
"What is it, Christabel?'' asked
Mary, feeling that shiver. Something
has happened. You are different.
What is it? Is it anything that con-
Germs us-that concerns father? Why
do you not say something's"
But Christahel was silent.
Il cannot bear It! I cannot bear it,"
said Mary, wildly. "Let me tell you
everything, Christabel."
Perhaps you had better think well
first. Mary" said Christabel. lit may
be something should not hear"
Il must tell you" cried Mary, and
with tears and sobs and low cries she
told Christabel how Maxwell had
found out that Sir John was suffering
from no de!usion, but was speaking
the truth when in effect he accused
himself of stealing the secret of the
manufacture of the cement 'And the
rest-the murder of his partner-is
more than likely true, too" she added,
and broke down altogether, burying
her streaming face on Christabel's
shoulder, while Christabel hushed and
soothea her as if she had been
fright tened child. After a time Mary
grew calmer.
Ito Sc Continued.)