The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-05-17
(Continued.)

peal. He was pale as death, but quite composed. and yhe answered Lioners question promptly.
 "Jem Bardsley, at your service sir"
 How dare you intrude upon private interview, sfr?" vociferated Lionel, too much annoyed to be wise or reasonable.
 This common is not private" re- piled Jem in even tones. Had l known that Miss wiImot had made an appointment here, I would not have intruded."
 "I made no appointment" said Vernon faintly. in reply to the accu- sation in Jem's voice.
 'I think" said Jem, turning to her with alarming politeness. T think you called me. Can I do anything for you?''
 Take me home. please" said Yer non tremulously. IT have had Q shock" She looked timidly at Lio- flel, and seeing how dark and lower ing was his face, she strung herself to the keeping up of appearances. T ought to introduce you." she fall
 Jem took the cloth from his crop ped. black hair, and stood gazing up-' on Giadwyn, with his light gray eyes wide and steady, the pupils contract ed to mere pinpoints. There was suggestion in his look and pose of an animal waiting for legitimate excuse to bounce upon an enemy. The antagonism in him communicat- ed itself without words to Lionel:
 He was angry. hurt, baffled, and his modification made him forges himself. T seem to see the meaning of this lady's reluctance to fulfil her engagements he said coldly. but venomously. 'It is you, MT. James Bardsley. is it. whom I have to thank for this.'
 .I beg your pardon?'' said Jem stiffily, standing like ramrod.l
 Tt is you who have come between Vernon and me-" broke out Glad wyn furiously. You have stolen her made love to a girl who was as good as engaged already"
 'Lionel." interiected, Vernon, half laughing, half horrorstruck at this wild idea.
 If you say said Jem gently. ''that I love Miss Wilmot, you speak the simple truth. If you say that have made love to her, you lie"
 The world reeled. "Jem!" .. faint ly pleaded the girl.
 Lionel faced round upon her, his eyes blazing. You told me-you de- clared to me-that there was nobody else!" he accused her.
 'I did not know" said Veernon. in barely audible tones.
 Jem, for the first time, shifted his gaze from the man to turn it upon her.
 II think that Miss Wilmot is hard ly equal to this discussion,'' he said. ''It might be better to postpone it.''
 Lionel shook his head; for a mo- come to speak. ''No,'' he affirmed, when he, could trust his voice. T must have the truth now. I have come from the other side of the if you have supplanted me. should like to know it straight" He went up to Vernon, and at his approach she moved a step back, nearer to where Jem stood.
 Do you prefer him to me?" he asked reeklessiy. Inwardly he was certain that this was not so-that, au fond, the girl was his, if pressure. were brought to bear.
 Vernon felt the blood rise warm to cheeks and brow. But in her soul 8 voice urged. that her whole future l.4ng upon her courage now. Her own voice sounded strange in her, ears, her heart seemed beating in her throat. But she made a su- p-eme effort, and said distinctly
 "Yes, Lionel, I do."
 She dared not look at Jem, but she was conscious that he made a quick movement. raised his hand to his eyes as though to brush some thing from his sight. He moved tip quite near to Gladkyn.
 You have your answer, sir" he said.
 'I don't take it," declared Lionel wildly. "You have prejudiced her against me, You have come between us, told her things about me
 Come said Jem temperately, don't talk wildly. I never saw you in my life, nor heard of you"
 Vernon assured him. "Jem doesn't know-I am sure he doesn't"
 Look here,'' said Jem, T don't know exactly what you mean, pat | feel very sorry for you. Only must think of Miss wilmot first. All this is too much for her. Won't you go back to Carronlea, and leave her ro collect herself? I will bring her home later and then we can have things out If you think you have griev- ncf n11ifp at