Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1909-06-22
CHAPTER vII-lContinned !

This question was put in almost a cas-
ual fashion, but the question in his eyes
was by no means casual.
Tomorrow? The next dayY soc
stammered, In utter bewinderment L
never expected-why should there be
such hurry|
Stewart had evidently anticipated this,
and answered readily, keeping a strictly
matter-of-fact manner
You see, every day that knock about
the hotel by myself adds to the chances
OF my coming across people and compI-
eating matters, and it might be the same
with you. We are only safe together
now" he added, with short laugh. She
started up and paced the room in uncon-
trollable agitation.
What you'd you think of me If were
to give up the whole affair now" she
asked, pausing before him, her head
thrown back, her hands clasped behind
her.
Il don't think you would go back on
your word" he answered, looking quietly
up at her.
II he had treated it as a possibility,
she might even then have drawn back :;
but his calm certainly seemed to destroy
all powers of resistance. After staring
blankly at him for a moment, she went
back to her seat.
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 went on presently As
soon as we have got things in proper or
der at Orwell, we'll take late honey
moon over TO the Riviera, or some such
frivolous place. 1 feel thoroughly in
cined to take mine ease and enjoy life,
and l am sure that you will be too, when
once it is a fat accompl.' To-day is
Tuesday-shall we agree to Thursday,
then? I'll get the special license to-mor-
row. | 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
TO the theater"
1t was as in dream that she listened.
Then, all at once, the old recklessness
came over her, and she laughed feyerish-
ly, almost wildly as she said
Have it your own way then. Only
remember, it is all your own doing.
Whatever happens, | am not to blame. y
Il am not afraid" he answered.
The marriage was carried out according
to Stewards plans. The dreary Decem-
Der day was darkening under a cehseless
downpour of rain as they drove to 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 a 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-
rnony might be the outcome.
On the way back to her lodgings and
during the long subsequent drive to the
Metropole, Stewart carefully conversed in
a 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 as a 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.
All this is pleasant :" she said, go
ing up to the fire, and holding out her
trembling hands to the heat
If 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, land
tel 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
comfor able. Mine is here" motioning
to a door at the opposite end of the sit.
ting-rOom. 1--WE been in possession here
since | came l told them that | was ex
pecting my wife. Let me take your coat
Now, you had better have a comfortable
rest by the FIRE. You must be tired after
packing this morning. I'm going down
to have a smoke and write some letters
the important one announcing our ar.
rival. TO my father, amongst them. By
the-by, shall l 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 10 have tea?'
He smiled bit ssrdonically. Thanks
I think I'll have a soda downstairs. II
order dinner at half-past seven. You
don't mind dining down stairs. do you?'
"Oh, not"
He smiled again at the eagerness of the
answer, which implied that the last thing
abe desired was a tete-a-tete meal.
Very WELL And you ara sure that
sou feel up to dressing and going to the
theaterI"
"Oh. YES. 1t will be rather amusins
to find oneself decently dressed and in 3
,heerful place again"
He looked pleased at her response
That's right. I'll get tickets for tbs
most frivolous thing can find Au re
voir.'
IL was over; there was no drawing
back now. But all the same there was
an infinite sense of relief. for within the
last hour Stewart had shown her by every
word and sign how scrupulously he in,
tended TO adhere to hfs side of the bar,
gain,
He had never made movement to hold
her hand; he would not even loiter over
lea by the fire with her But perhaps
The temptation had been wanting. Per
aaps he felt no desire for more. 10 say
the least Of il. friendly relations between
them. And yet how thoughtful he hat
been in every trihe which concerned hel
>omfort and convenience.
CHAPTER VIII.
While busy In her room. Mathilde wa.
interrupted by a knock at the door. ans
the delivery of large box addressed 4
Mrs Stewart"
She was on the point of saying tina
there must be some mistake. when. witt
start. she remembered.
With an uncomfortable anticipation
she opened the parcel. and. alone as Sd,
was a vivid flush dyed her face as sh'
lifted out a long cloak Of hrocaded vel
vet. varying In tint from pesrly white {,