The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1913-02-01

too. had been waiting. but not for the
young man who dashed up the steps.
He has reel here she said. us she
gave him her hand. The ~tenseness of
the clasp revealed the strain that was
upon her. Ito noted the pallor in her
cheek, the dread in her eyes.
"Yes?" he cried ~anxiously. Where
is he? | tried to get here in time.
Did he
"Sit down. David-here, please. be-
hind the balustrade. | am waiting out
here for him. He is coming back"
"You-you sent him away?"
II did not see him. You must not
think, David. that | am afraid to see
him. | am nervous, upset, but it
really isn't fear. Observation-Disclosures
knows everything. | told her last
night. She is-well. you can imagine,
she is very unhappy. Everything looks
black to her. | did not hide anything.
She Is crushed"
Where is she? I must see her. |
can comfort her, Mrs. Braddock. Let
me see her before he comes back" He
was standing over her, his face working.
"She will not see you, David" she
said In dull tones.
He started. What do you mean7
She must see me"
Her father was in the penitentiary."
That was all, but it told all there vas
To tell.
He cried out reproachfully, Does
she think that will make any differ
nee In my
She knows ii won't. That's what
distresses her. / am afraid, David. aft
er all. you have brought your honor to
a wretched market. We are what we
are. we Braddocks. We can't look be-
yond our environment. You cannot
marry a eonyict's daughter"
Mrs. Braddock.' he said. his voice
quivering with decision. II am not go
ing to be put off like this. You may as
well understand that. first and last. |
love her. | want her. She loves me,
thank God. 1t won't be so hard to
make her understand how impossible
it is for anything to come between us.
She Is going to marry me, Mary Brad
dock"
A great light leaped into her eyes,
even as she shook her head. She reach
ed out as if to clasp his hand, a move
ment as involuntary as it was instinc-
tive. He had turned and was facing
the closed portals behind which his
hearts desire was beating all joy and
hope out of her poor, tormented soul.
Il can't stand itr' he cried. This is
the time for me to go to her and say
that | love her better than all the
world"
In his eagerness he was starting for
the door when a sharp cry fell from her
lips. He hesitated. struck by the note
of CONSERVATION in the cry.
A carriage had drawn up at the curb
in front of the house. a face appeared
at the open window of the vehicle, a
never to be forgotten face that brought
to mind the African gazelle in Van
Slye's.
For a moment David stood rigid in
the paralysis of stupefaction. Then he
sprang to Mrs. Braddock's side. She
was even then peering down the street,
a great fear in her heart. every hoer
quivering with alarm.
Colonel Grand was assisting his
daughter to the sidewalk. Already he
had lifted his hat and sent IA nauseous
smile to the woman above. David 5
gaze followed hers in quest of Il more
sinister actor who might even then be
coming upon the scene for the tragic
! climax. Grand. whatever his motive
for appearing so Unexpectedly mt the
Portman house, must be turned away
without ceremony or consideration. At
any minute Thomas Braddock might re-
turn. \ tragedy would be the result.
David started down the steps, pass
ing the rigid, staring woman at the
top. lie was vaguely aware of Ro-
berta Grand's bow. Halfway down he
called out:
Colonel Grand, you must not stay
here-not Il second longer. | will eX-
plain if you will let me ride with you
for Il couple of blocks"
Grand came on up the steps, ignoring
Jenison. addressing himself to Mary
Braddock.
II have come to discuss Tom with
you, Mary" he said.
Go away" she cried in low, intense
tones. How dare you come here, Colo
mel Grand? Cor
lie stopped. raised his hat, shrugged
his shoulders and hen lifted his free
hand to check the approach of the
young man who was o%minously near at
hand.
Il fancy it will be best for all con-
cerned if we avoid tableaux. Still, |
will 20 away if you see tit to send me-"
Il do see fit. Co."
Roberta Grand was staring at the
speaker from The bottom of the steps.
Don't haggle with her. father" she
cried yenomously. Bring her to time".'