The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-06-05

| Of restitution was absurd, but II might
be polite to- offer Christabel money.
Could she not be bribed? Every man
had his price, and every woman, too,
thought Maxwell, who knew many
men and some women. He could not
believe that Christabel would not tell
Forde the truth unless she were given
some strong inducement to hold her
peace. 81 will supply her with the in.
ducement," he said to himself. 81 will
offer her money" And If that failed
he thought there was still another
way-perhaps two other ways.
| Next morning Christabel did not
come down to breakfast. Mary's maid
told her that her mistress was in
very bad state and begged her to go
into her room to see her. And Chris
label saw that Mary did look very i'll
indeed, and was for sending at once
for Goctor, but to that Mary would
not agree.
Il am more tired than ill.," said
Mary. Il feel worn out with every.
thing. but shall get up later in the
day. And you, Christabel-how are
you?" asked Mary, gazing wistfully at
her.
81 am all right" said Christabel,
briefly. She hoped that Mary would
not refer to their talk of the previous
evening; and as for herself, she had
resolved not to allude to it unless she
was compelled. But it was of this
that Mary spoke.
Il have been thinking over things"
said Mary; "but tell me- are we
friends still? Oh, 1 hope so, Christa.
BEL"
Eyes. Mary; 1 understand how you
feel. see and appreciate your point
of view; but there is the other side,
too"
go you think that do not know it:
I see now that asked too much from
you last night in the way of sympathy.
1t is all very hard on you. OF course,
you would like to tell Mr.. Forde'
THAT is natural, Mary, is it not?
He ought to know"
II dcn't know what you can think
of us all. but father is our father. Just
put yourself in my position, Christa.
belly"
Christahel nodded, but did not
speak.
What we can do shall be DONE"
Mary continued. CATER left You last
night l saw Maxwell, and told him
that you knew our secrets. suggest
ed to him that we should make restora-
ton to Mr.. Forde. What else is there
for us to do? You cannot expect us,
his children, to give up our dying
father to the law. Even if we were
willing, you know that he could not be
moved from here-it is impossible!
But restitution, so far as it is in our
power-that is different"
what did Mr.. Sisterson say?"
Il must confess that he did not see
the matter in the same light as do;
he is hard man, Christabel-I told
you that before. But he will, he must.
come round to my view"
But he may not
He must, i tell you,' said Mary,
earnestly. "He must bow to circum-
stances, like anybody else. No doubt
he will speak to you some time today.
By the way, if you go down to break
fast you will be alone with him. Won't
you have it with me? I should prefer
it, dear: do say that you WILL"
The two women had their meal to-
gether. but about 10 o'clock Maxwell
sent up a servant to say that he very
much desired to see Nurse Joyce be-
fore he went off to the city.
"You will go?" asked Mary, nervous.
ly.
Eyes; there is nothing else to do"
said Christabel.
Maxwell was in the library, and as
she went to it footman handed her
telegram, which he said had only
that moment come. It was from Nor
man Forde, and ran: Hope you are
better this morning. Please wire Of
fee" The receipt of this message
made Christabel happier, and the chill
at her heart turned for a moment or
two to a warm glow.
Maxwell, in his cold, slow, deliber-
ate voice, asked her to be seated, and
without any preamble went at once to
the point.
Ito Be continued.)