The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1909-10-21
CHAPTER Nv.


Mathilde was allowed to learn the pres
ent state of affairs.
On a dark, wintry afternoon, when
with great care she had been lifted on
sofa, with bright-tinted cushions and
down quilt heaped about her, and wrap
ped in the daintiest of pink silk, lace
trimmed tea-gowns, there was an I'M
doubted air of convalescence over the
scene, which aroused her energy.
Mathilde looked at her husband, who
sat staring into the fire, and was encour-
aged by a new placidity which she saw
in his face. He was no longer man at
war with the world.
Her voice was a bit tremulous as it
first broke the silence.
You have never told me a word about
Flora
He turned on her a scrutinizing glance,
then, apparently satisfied with her as
pect, demanded lazily:
"Well, what do you want to know
about herr"
'Oh, everything! What she said and
did that night; what she has done and
said since"
That's large order. Unfortunately
cannot crafty your second demand, for
l have not seen her since she left tie
house the morning after your accident"
Left the house! Oh, please don't
tease me. but tell me about it,
And then Stewart did tell her. very
gently, the story of the end of that event
full evening. Mathilde's tears fell fast as
she heard Sir James last words, and of
his present death in life.
"Oh, 1 am sorry! L am sorry!" she
sobbed. II would give so much if we had
never deceived him."
$50 would - be said In low voice.
adding presently: Thank God, ne never
understood what that woman said. o.
knew what we had done"
Mathilde still sobbed, and Stewart.
afraid of her agitation, said "Now, you
must be good or | shall not tell you about
the rest"
The rest?" she asked vaguely.
"Yes. Only think of your having a
romantic love affair under your nose with
out your ever detecting it," And then
he told, with a touch of humor. of poor
Nellie's disappointing schemes and affec-
tons.
"Nellie?" she nlurmured "Nellie? But
l thought"
what did you thinky be asked grave
ly, almost sternly.
There came no answer and the silence
was heavy between them.
What did you think? again he re-
peated the question with greater empha-
sis; then suddenly leaning forward and
On tob;pv her ha s.Cood 10 W,
never could have been mad enough TO
thirk that it was II"
There was a touch Of her old self "A
the flushing face and the resentful vcice
II thought nothing. 1t was what saw
What did you see?"
Il saw her in your library crying and
leaning against you, while you held hel
with your arm. What else could
think?"
Stewart laughed, half in impotence
half IN mirth.
80 you saw us that night when the
little chit came crying to me about hcr
dressmaker's bills, and got a big checs
out of me. How could | help it if she
would prop herself up against me? But
that you should think-when you Isl
have known that no other woman exits ej
for me save you J"
but how could / know when you to'd
me you were tired of me-"
II was tired of the bargain. and oi
having a wife who seemed - belong &
everyone else mo e than nei Ana
suppose you will say that you didl't
know how jealous | VAS when | said ii 2
Il didn't, really
You didn't: Oh, 1Iathil.le." letting
| The tenderness in ms voice have scope
show angry | could be with you but fol
| this"
This was a remarkably shabby dogskir
| glove, which he pulled from his poke
and which Mathilde seemed to recognize
| Without q word she bent her head, a
| Stewart now knelt beside her, with hr
| arm around her, there was no place t.
rest it on, save his coat.
well, but how could l have known
| You never told me-
ION your word of honor now," and hi
hand raised the dropping face for his in
| spection had l not shown you that
cared for your"
Sometimes when you were so nice,
thought perhaps you did; but neve
was quite sure, and l always thought yOl
so kind and considerable But l used t.
get unhappy, and then, when l saw tina
i -"
Naughty child, l should like to shak
you. would if you weren't lame. Tel
me-" and his voice grew earnest again
hadn't you come to understand why
did it all:'
NO" she whispered in an UNUSUAL.
meek voice.
And | was sure ut one time thai yol
had Perhaps you will acknowledge tina
If on board ship. knowing your story,
had told you that | admired you NOR
than any woman | had ever seen, an
asked you TO marry me the next week
you would probably have refused?'
Il suppose So she agreed. still mcel;
Is.
"And then | might not have found
easy TO renew the friendship in Paris
You certainly showed great talent in slip