The Somerset reporter., 1908-07-16

force. Her husband had been ner
fathers choice, not Der own.
I'VE were rich" she explained, but
after my fathers death my husband
spent everything we had. and I was
very unhappy. So ran away and
took my maiden name. And that is
why l do not want my picture TO ap-
pear. do not want him to end me
ever"
She said 1t vehemently. With little
flush on her cheeks. My father said
love would come" she went on bur
riedly. but it did not | felt for
Betty's sake ! ought to tell you. It's
such unpleasant history that you
might not care to hive nue. with her SO
much"
Sherwood flung up his head. Sud
nothing that he SO much wished to do
as to shelter her from misfortune.
Betty will always be honored by
your presence as we all areas we
shall always be-" he said, and she
smiled at him and held out her hand
Somehow felt that had found
friend" she said simply. THAT is why
told you. 1t seemed best. and knew
you would understand"
That afternoon Sherwood went for
long ride on his favorite horse, Max
tell, and during that ride be fought
battle. Now that Dulcie Duval was
out of reach she seemed the most desir-
able thing in the world. Indeed, from
the first moment she had been desira-
BILE, but he had let the artist in him
blind the lover. He had made himself
think that 1t was her picture, not her.
self. that he wanted.
And now that he knew that he loved
her he felt that he must 60 away
back to Paris to the studio-to the
dreams that had of late been partially
submerged In his practical plans for
Sherwood farm.
When he came back that night. Betty
met him on the porch.
I'VE are going for a ride early in the
morning." she said, Miss Duval and l.
and | want you to go with u.s."
Not tomorrow. Bettykins," he de-
INJURED. i've got a lot of things to
do. l am planning to spend the sum-
mer In Paris"
Betty dismayed exclamation brought
his sister and Miss Duval.
Hes going away" Betty cried. and
he doesn't know when he will come
back"
And Sherwood. watching the face of
ho adU nf ho
pale. and his heart leaped at the
thought that she cared.
In the early morning from his bed
room window he saw them ride away.
Five minutes later he was at the
stables. How does 1t happen that
Miss Duval is riding Maxtell?" he de-
manded of a groom.
"Hulda is lame" said the man. and
Miss Duyal insisted on riding Maxtell.
We tried to get her to have one Of the
other mounts. but she wouldn't"
"Maxtell can't be trusted" said
Sherwood sharply. mot with lady.
He never likes the futter of skirts"
Il know, sir" The man looked wor-
ried
We'll, get Buckner Belle ready"
Sherwood ordered, land I'll go after
them"
AS he cantered down to the gate "a
boy met him with a telegram. With
out looking at the address. Sherwood
tore it open. then as half dozen
words confronted him he saw that 1t
was not for him, but for Miss Duval.
Her husband was dead, her lawyer
wired, and she must come at once.
In that moment the whole world
changed for Sherwood. He knew that
1t was unseemly for him to grow
light hearted because of the death Of
fellow creature. But for her 1t meant
freedom, for him happiness.
He paid the boy and spurred his
horse to greater speed, and at last he
saw ahead OF him Betty on a sturdy
little mare; Dulcie, holding in Maxtell.
who danced along the road In way
that spelled danger.
And even as Sherwood looked Max
tell bolted.
And after him. like shot, went
Buckner Belle.
The big horse was not match for
the brilliant mare. and presently Sher-
wood was beside Dulcie, his hand on
Maxtells bride.
Maxtell. meek as lamb at the sound
OF the well known voice, stopped SO
suddenly that Dulcie swayed and slip
ped from his back inertly. Sherwood.
dropping the brides, caught her III his
arms
"Dulcie," he said impulsiyely; Dull
Gle, dear.''
She opened her eyes. Please" she
said family. let me go, You must
not"
Hush" he said. You are not strong
enough to stand alone, and you have
a right here. You are free at last.
dear heart
Her startled eyes met his. How"
she questioned.
He is dead" he said quietly. You
are to go to Kentucky this afternoon.
Bettys mother will 20 with you"
He released her then and went on IN
steady tones.
but you will come back, Du.cle.
When you feel that 1t Is right-you
will come baCk-to meY
Betty was pounding down the road
IN the sturdy mare. Ducie looked Up
Mt Sherwood. strong ard grave be-
tween the beautiful horses.
Yes" she said. and suddenly her