The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1909-03-04
Ross-H HuntressCompan
Cor.West and Grove SITS.
Rutland. Vermont.

She said, looking up at him: "If you
golf you go-whatever time you re-
turnno matter what hour-knock at
my door, Do you promise? ! shall be
awake. DO you promiseT'
Yes" he said, with trace Of i'm
patience, the only hint of his anger at
the prospect Of the duty before him.
So she went away with Nina and
Austin and Boots, and Selwyn turned
back, sauntering quietly toward the
table where already the occupants had
apparently forgotten him and the epi-
sode In the riotous gayety increasing
with the accession Of half dozen
more men.
When Selwyn approached. Neergard
saw him first, stared at him and snick-
ered but he greeted everybody with
smiling composure, nodding to those
he knew, a trine more formally to
Mrs. Ruthven, and, coolly pulling up
chair, seated himself beside Gerald.
Boots has driven home with the
Others" he said In low voice, I'm
going back In the motor boat with you.
Don't worry about Austin Are you
readyT'
The boy had evidently let the wine
alone or else fright had sobered him.
for he looked terribly white and tired.
"Yes," he said, I'm go when you wish.
suppose they'll never forgive me for
this. Come on"
"One moment, then" nodded Selwyn.
81 want TO speak to Mrs. Ruthven"
And, quietly turning to Alike and drop
ping his voice to a tone too low for
Neergard TO hear. for he was plainly
attempting to listen.
You are making a mistake. DO you
understand? Whoever is your hostess,
wherever you are staying, find her and
go there before 1t Is too late
She Inclined her pretty head thought
fully, eyes ON the wineglass which she
was turning round and round between
her slender fingers. What do you
mean by too lateT" she asked. Don't
you know that everything Is TOO late
for me nowr'
what do you mean, AliXe?" he re-
turned, watching her intently
"What ] say. have not seen Jack |
Ruthven ior two months. Do you know
what that means? / have not heard
from him for two months. Do you
know what that meansi No? Well III
tell you. Philip. Ii means that when
do hear from him 1t will be through his
attorneys
He turned slightly paler. "Why?'
Divorce" she said, with reckless |
little laugh. "and the end Of things for
me"
ION what groundsf" he demanded |
doggedly. Does he threaten your
She made no movement or reply, re- |
clining there, one hand on her wine
glass. the smile still curving her lips.
And he repeated his question In a low.
distinct voice. too low for Neergard TO
hear and he was still listening.
Grounds? Oh, he thinks I've mis-
behaved with-never mind who II IL
not true. but he cares nothing about
that either You see" aud she bent
nearer confdentially. with mysteri-
Gus little nod OF her pretty head you
see Jack Ruthyen is little insane.
You are surprised? Pooh! I've sus-
peeied II for months"
He stared at her Then, where
are you stoppingY
Aboard the Niobrara"
"ls Mrs. Pane guest there tooY'
He spoke loud enough for Rosamund
10 hear, and she answered for herself.
with smile at him brimful OF malice.
Delighted To have you come aboard
Captain SeIwyn. Is that what you are
asking permission 10 doT
Thanks" be returned dryiy and 10
Alike. III you are ready. Gerald and
win take you ovar 10 the NIobrara
IA the motor boat"
~Oh. no. you WON'T broke IN Seer.
gard. with a sneer. You'll mind your
,wn business. my intrusive friend. and
IN take care Of my guests without
Tonr assistance"
selwyn appeared not TO hear him.
Come on. Gerald he said pleasantly;
Mrs Ruthyen is going over TO the
''For Gods sake" whispered Gerald
white as a sheet. don't force me into
routie with Neergard"
selwyn turned on him an asionishcd
,aze Are you afraid Of thar whelpfH
Yes. muitered the boy. ''i-l'Ii es-
,ialn later. but don't force things nov.
beg you"
Mrs Iinthven eooily leaned over aud
poke to Gerald Ia q low voice. then
o eeIwru she said with q smile. "IioS. ,