The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-10-07
CHAPTER XXI (continuedl

have heard strange things about
her. She is a dangerous woman.
We were both silent for a mo
ment. Then Lady Angela, whose
eyes were fixed seward, suddenly
turned to me.
oh" she cried, 81 am weary o.
all these bothers and problems and
anxieties. Let us put them away
for one hour in this glorious morn
ing. Dare you play truant for a lily
tie while and walk on the sands n
Il think So" l answered readily
IF you will wait while l go and
put Grooton in charge"
Il will be scrambling down." she
declared. ut is not difficult op
Grafton"
l Joined her a few minutes later
and we set our faces toward the
point of the bay. We walked for 9
while in silence.
These" l said abruptly, "should
be the happiest days of your life
Lady Angela. After all, is it worth
while to spoil them by worrying
about other peoples doings?"
"Blenavon can scarcely rank
amongst the other people with me-
he said. "He is my only brother
Colonel Ray is to be your hus
band" l reminded her, (which is
far more important"
She turned upon me with flam.
ing cheeks.
you do not understand what
you are talking about. Mr.. Du.
caine," she said, stiffly. Colonel
Ray and l are not lovers. You have
no right to assume anything of the
Sort
IF you are not lovers" I said,
what right have you to marry?"
She seemed little staggered, as
indeed she might be by my bold
ness.
You are very medieval" she re-
marked.
THE medieval sometimes sur
wives. 1t is as true now as then
that loveless marriages are curse
and sain," l answered. 1T is the
one thing which remains now as it
was in the beginning"
Il should like to know why you
are speaking to me like this" she
said. II do not want to seem un-
kind, but do you think that the
length of our acquaintance war;
rants it,"
Il do not know how long I have
known you," answered. II do not
remember the time when l did not
know YOU. You are one of those
people to whom must say the
thing which comes into my mind.
think that If you do not love Col
onel Ray you have no right to
marry him."
"Mr. Ducaine." she said. do you
consider that Colonel Ray is your
friend?"
"He has been very good to me, I
l answered.
There is something betwee1
you two. What is it?"
1T is not my secret" l told her
There is a secret, then" she
murmured. II know it. Is this
why you do not wish me to marry
him."
Il have not said that I do not
wish you to marry him."
mot in words. You had no need
to pu tit into words"
"You are very wrong" said, ito
marry anyone for any other reason
save the only true one. Some day
there might be somebody else."
II do not think So" she said,
dreamily. II have never fancied
myself caring very much for any
one. 1t is not easy. you know, for
some of u.s."
"And for some,". murmared, ut
Is too easy"
Il want you to tell me some
thing" she said, in a few minutes.
Have you any other reason be-
yond this for objecting to my mar
riage with Colonel Ray?"
IF ] have" l answered slowly,
81 cannot tell it to you 1t is his
secret. not mine"
Colonel Ray Is too honest" she
said thoughtfully, Ito keep any
thing from me which l ought to
know"
l changed the conversation We
talked of other and lighter things.
Soon my cottage was in sight. To
my surprise. a man was standing
there as though waiting. He turned
round as we approached. His face
was very pale. and the back of his
head was bandaged. He carried his
arm. too, in a sling. 1t was Colonel
MOstyn Ray!