Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-08-02
CHAPTER XVIII.
It's All NV Fault.

man, but two different men had kissed
me on the stairs to the roof. 1t sounds
rather horrid and discriminating. but
there was all the difference in the
world
But then-who had? And for whom
had Mr.. HARRISON been waiting on the
roof? Did you know that l nearly
| choked you to death a few minutes
ago." Then he rather expected to fin
ish somebody in that way! Who? Jim,
probably. 1t was strange, too. but
suddenly realized that no matter how
many suspicious things l mustered up
against him-and there were plenty
down in my heart l didn't believe him
guilty of anything, except this last and
unforgivable offense. Whoever was
trying to leave the house had taken the
necklace, that seemed clear, unless
Max was still foolishly trying to break
quarantine and create one of the SEN
sations he so dearly loves. This was
a new idea, and some things upheld it,
but Max had been playing bridge when
| was kissed on the stairs, and there
was still left that ridiculous incident
of the comfort.
Bella came up after l had gone to
bed, and turned on the light to brush
her hair.
IF don't leave this mausoleum soon,
I'll be carried out" she declared. You
in bed, Lollie Mercer and Dal flirting,
Anne hysterical, and Jim making his
will in the den! You will have to take
Aunt Selma tonight, Kit; I'm all in"
IF you'll put her to bed, I'll keep her
there" conceded, after some parley.
You're a dear" Bella came back
from the door. Look here, Kit you
know Jim pretty well. Don't you think
he looks i'll? Thinner"
He's a wreck" l said soberly. You
have lot to answer for, Bella"
Bella went over to the cheval glass
and looked in it. Il avoid him all l
can," she said, posing. He's awfully
funny: he's so afraid I'll think he's Sc
rious about you. He can't realize that
for me he simply doesn't exist"
Well, l took Aunt Selma. and about
two o'clock, while l was in my first
sleep, woke to find her standing be-
side me, tugging at my arm.
There's somebody in the house." she
whispered "Thieves!"
IF they're in they'll not get out to-
night" said.
Il tell you, saw a man skulking on
the stairs" she insisted
got up ungraciously enough, and
put on my dressing gown. Aunt Sell
ma. who had her hair in crimps, tied a
veil over her head, and together we
went to the head of the stairs. Aunt
Selma leaned far over and peered down
He's in the library" she whispered.
Il can see a light"
The lust of battle was in Aunt Sell
mas eye. She girded her robe about
her and began to descend the stairs
cautiously. We went through the hall
and stopped at the library door. It
was empty, but from the den beyond
came a hum of voices and the cheerful
glow of fire-light. l realized the situa-
ton. then but it was too late.
Then why did you kiss her in the
dining-room? Bella was saying in her
clear, high tones. You did, didn't
you?"
1T was only her hand" Jim, desper-
ately explaining. I've got to pay her
some attention, under the circum-
stances. And l give you my word,
was thinking of you when | did it,"
The wretch!
Aunt Selma drew her breath i'm sud-
denly.
q am thinking of marrying Reggie
Wolfe" This was Bella, of course.
He wants me to. He's dear boy"
IF you do, will kill him."
81 am so very lonely" Bella sighed.
We could hear the creak of Jm's shirt
bosom that showed that he had sighed
also. Aunt Selma had gripped me by
the arm, and could hear her breath
ing hard beside me.
It's only Jim," l whispered. II
don't want to hear any more"
But she clutched me firmly, and the
next thing we heard was another
creak louder and
Get up! Get up off your knees this
instant?" Bella was saying frantical-
ly. Some one might come in"
Don't send me away" Jim said in
Il smethered voice. Every one i'm the
house is asleep, and l love you, dear"
Aunt Selma swallowed hard in the
darkness.
You have no right to make love to
me-" Bella. It's-it's highly improper,
under the circumstances"
And then Jim: You swallow a cam
el and stick at a gnat. Why did YOU
meet me here, if YOU didn't expect me
to make love to you? I've stood for
lot, Bella, but this foolishness will
have to end. Either YOU love me-or
you don't. I'm desperate" He drew
long, forlorn breath.
Poor old JIM" This was Bella. A
pause. Then-"Let my hand alone!"
Also Bella.
1T is my hand!"-Jim's most fat
| uous tone. There is where YOU wore
my ring. There's the mark still"
Sounds of Jim kissing Bella's ring-fin-
ger What did you do with it? Throw
| it away" More sounds.
Aunt Selma crossed the library
| swiftly, and again | followed. Bella
| was sitting i'm a low chair hy the fire.
| l., L. n; hA in