The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1912-07-23
CHAPTER XIV.
Crossing the Channel.

and irritation.
At nine he set out to walk over to
Southlook, realizing that he should
have to spend an hour in prohtless
gossip with the lodge keeper before
presenting himself at the villa, but
somehow rellshing the thought that
even so he would be nearer to Hetty
than II he remained In his own door
yard.
Halfway there we was overtaken by
Sara's big French machine returning
from the village. The car came to a
standstill as he stepped aside to let
1t pass. and Sara herself leaned over
and cordially invited him to get in and
ride home with her.
What an early bird you are" he ex'
claimed as he took his seat beside
her.
She was not in mood for airy per-
sifage, as he soon discovered.
Miss Castleton has gone up to
town. Mr.. Booth" she said rather
llfelessly. 81 have just taken her to
the station. She caught the eight
thirty"
He was at once solicltous. mo bad
news, hope?" There was no thought
in his mind that her absence was
other than temporary.
"She is not coming back, Brandon"
She had not addressed him as Bran
don before.
He stared. "You-you mean" The
words died on his lips.
"She is not coming back" she re-
peated.
An accusing CLEAN leaped into his
eyes.
What has happened. Mrs. Wran-
dall?" he asked.
She was quick to perceive the
change In his voice and manner.
She prefers to live apart from me.
That is all"
when was this decision reached?"
But yesterday. Soon after she came
in from her walk with you"
"Do-do you mean to imply that
that had anything to do with her leav-
ing your homer" he demanded, with
a flush on his cheek.
She met his look without flinching.
1T was the beginning"
"You-you criticised her? You took
her to task"
.T notinad bar thot cha uyar IN IN rrv
Leslie Wrandall IL she marries anyone
at ALL" she said in a perfectly level
tone.
Good Lord, Mrs. Wrandall!"
But she is not going to marry Les
lie."
81 know it-I knew 1t yesterday" he
cried triumphantly. "She loves me,
Sara. Didn't she say as much to
your"
"Yes, Brandon, she loves you. But
she will not be your wife"
What is all this mystery? Why
can't she be my wife? What is there
to PREVENT"
She regarded him with dark. inscru-
table eyes. Many seconds passed be-
fore she spoke.
Would you want her for your wife
II you knew she had belonged to an
other mani"
He turned very cold. The palms OF
his hands we're wet. as with ice-water,
Something dark seemed to fit before
his eyes.
81 will not believe that OF her." he
said, shaking his head with an air OF
finality.
THAT is not an answer to my ques
ton"
"Yes, | would still want her." he
declared steadily
II merely meant to put you to the
harshest test" she said, and there wa:
relief in her voice. "She Is gooC
girl, she Is pure. asked my question
because until yesterday had reasor
to doubt her"
Good heavens, how could you doub
those honest, guiltless eyes Of"
She shook her head sadly. ITO an
swer you | would have to reveal thu
secret that makes 1t impossible fol
her to become your wife. and that
cannot. will not do"
rs 1t fair to me?"
Perhaps not, but It Is fair to her
and that Is why | must remain silent.
Before God, shall know the trutl
from her, II not from you-and-'
IF you love her. II you will be klnt
to her, you will let her go her wa.
in peace"
He was struck by the somewhat sin
lister earnestness of her words.
"Tell me where may find her." h
said, setting his Jaw.
1T will not be difficult for you t
find her." she said, frownlng. IF yo
insist on pursuing her"
"You drive her away from you
house, Sara Wrandall, and yet you e,
pect me to believe that your motive
are friendly. Why should | accep
your word as final?"
81 did not drive her away. nor dl
ask her to stay"
He stared hard at her.
Good Lord, what Is the meanin
of all this?" he cried in perplexity
What am / to understand
. rho oor bod anna m ctop undo