The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1909-09-02
CHAPTER yII-(Continued.)

VI tue Gay AFTER!
This question was put in almost cas-
sal fashion, but the question in his eyes
vas by no means casual.
Tomorrow? The next day." she
hammered, in utter bewinderment. Il
pever expected-why should there be
such a hurry?"
Stewart had evidently anticipated this.
and answered readily, keeping strictly
natter-of-fact manner.
You see, every day that l knock about
ne hotel by myself adds to the chances
IF my coming across people and compli-
ating matters; and 1t might be the same
9TH you. We are only safe together
row." he added, with short laugh. She
started up and paced the room In uncon-
rollable agitation.
What you'd you think of me II I were
10 give up the whole affair now?" she
asked, pausing before him, her head
thrown back, her hands clasped behind
her.
IT don't think you would go back on
10ur word" he answered, looking quietly
up at her.
II he had treated it as possibility,
she might even then have drawn back;
bat his calm certainly seemed to destroy
M powers Of resistance. After staring
blankIy ut him for a moment, she went
back to her seat.
A silence ensued-a silence broken by
the advent of the maid with the tea
things. Mechanically she handled them,
giving Stewart his cup, and hearing him
say cheerfully:
This is like the last days on the st.
Lawrence" He wen. on presently: AS
soon as we have gt,t things in proper Or
der at Orwell, wsell1ak lag honey
moon over to the Riviera, or some such
frivolous place. feel thoroughly in
eIined TO take mine ease and enjoy life,
md am sure that you will be too, when
nee it Is fat accompli.' To-day is
4. aassday-shall we agree to Thursday,
then? I'll get the special license to-mor-
row. i suppose that church IN Sloane
street will be the most convenient for
you-in the afternoon would that suit
you? And then you can get unpacked at
the hotel before dinner, and we can go
b the theater.'
1t was as in a dream that she listened.
Then. all at once. the old recklessness
came over her, and she laughed feverish-
~, almost wildly, as she said:
Have 1t your own way, then Only
remember, it is all your own doing.
Whatever happens, / am not to blame. +"
Il am not afraid" he answered.
The marriage was carried out according
to Stewards plans. The dreary Decem-
Der day was darkening under ceaseless
downpeur Of rain as they drove 70 the
church, but, we'll warmed and lighted. the
interior was not uncheerful. At least
there was a cheerful center to it, where
the light blazed brightly in the chancel,
for shadows hung darkly over the body
of the church. In the most Unconditional
fashion they each pledged their faith, and
the curate who married them forgot his
own immature self-importance as he won
dered Of what romantic story this cere-
nony might be the outcome.
On the way back TO her lodgings and
during the long subsequent drive to the
Metropolis. Stewart carefully conversed in
q CHEEKY matter-of-fact fashion. and Ma
thilde did her best to follow his lead, but,
try her utmost, she could not calm the
tumultuous heart-beats az servant led
the way down one of the long hotel cor
ridors to their rooms. 1t was CHEEKY
little sitting-room that they were shown
into, with a brightly blazing fire, and a
teatable drawn up in front of it.
-Ah, this is pleasant" she said, 60
ing up % the fire. and holding out her
trembling hands to the heat.
II Stewart noticed her bewilderment,
he gave no sign Of doing so.
"You can bring tea" he said to the
servant, who was leaving the room, "and
tell them to bring up the luggage into
that ROOM" pointing to an open door
then, as the man left the room, he wen;
on: II think you will find that room
comfortable. Mine is here" motioning
to q door at the opposite end of the sit
ting-room. I've been in possession here
since l came. / told them that | was ex-
pecting my wife. Let me take your coat
Now, you had better have a comfortable
rest BIZ the fire. You must be tired after
packing this morning. I'm going down
10 have a smoke and write some letters
the important one announcing our ar
rival, to my father, amongst them. By.
the-by, shall 1 tell the people downstairs
that you will see those maids the first
thing in the morning."
Thanks" she answered vaguely, warm
ing her hands at the fire. But aren't
you going to have tea?"
He smiled bit sardonically. Thanks
think III have a soda downstairs. III
order dinner at half-past seven. You
don't mind dining down stairs, do you?
'Oh, no"
He smiled again at the eagerness of the
answer, which implied that the last thing
she desired was a tete-a-tete meal.
VERY well. And you are sure that
Eel nv, ~ draSSip0 nd 10ino e. ~
theaterw
-Oh, yes. 1t will be rather amusing
10 find oneself decently dressed and in a
cheerful place again"
He looked pleased at her response
most frivolous thing I can find. Au re
voir."
II was over; there was no drawins
back now. But all the same there wa.
an infinite sense of relief, for within the
last hour Stewart had shown her By ever,
word and sign how scrupulously he in
tended to adhere to his side of the bar
gain
He had never made a movement to holC
her hand he would not even loiter ovel
tea by the FIRE with her. But perhaps
the temptation had been wanting. Per
haps he felt no desire for more, to sa,
the least Of It, friendly relations between
them And yet how thoughtful he hat
been in every trife which Concerned be-
comfort and convenience.
CHAPTER VIII.
While busy in her room. Mathilde wa
interrupted by knock at the door, ant
the delivery of large box addressed Il
Mrs. Stewart
She was on the point of saying tina
there must be some mistake, when, will
q start, she remembered.
With an uncomfortable anticipation
she opened the parcel. and. alone as sh
was a vivid flush dyed her face as sh'
lifted out long cloak of brocaded vel
vet, varying in tint from pearly white t
deepest dove-coler. L. vas edged will
soft, gray ostrich feathers, and lined will
white fur. 'In exchange for soul,