The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1913-03-06

~trestore the necklace you left in my care.
Your sour toilets must nee diamonds
Ito set them off, though you do not.
and il is a pity to keep this hidden any
longer in my strong box, where there
are many-and still finer ones, waiting
TO adorn the ~lovelieSt of her sen" b.
AS he spoke, he opened the case and
displayed Il necklace of fine diamonds.
Prue's wedding gift from her fatherin-
law, h Earl of Overbridge. AT this
sight, her eyes sparkled more brightly
than the gems. and her hand involun-
tarily stretched Out toward the glitter
ing thing.
Aaron watched her with a sardonic
smile. in which triumph and admira-
ton contended with his nat con-
tempt for feminine weakness. and
thrusting the casket into her hands,
said in 8 voice far less harsh than
usual. 1t is yours. Only let me have
the pleasure OF seeing you wear it,
The softening OF his tone reused
Prue with a sort OF shock. The scorn
and repulsion with which she had
listened to Aarons' first declaration re-
vived, made sharper by an unfamiliar
touch of shame, and she withdrew her
hand as though the gift had stung her.
Then, swift as thought, a bright glow
and sparkle sprang into her face aad
she darted from the room, leaving
Aarans trunsflxed with amazement.
He was still in the same position
leaning forward with the open Jewel
case in his outstretched hand-when
she futtered back, radiant and breath
less, aud dropped into her seat behind
the table with a laugh of glee.
Pardon my discourtesy. my good
Mr., Aarons.'' she cried, You took me
somewhat by surprise; 1 was not pre-
1 no rad Tl,- ,NNf1nh TAratt,A,,~I,t yNaNI -.
was it not 200 guineas you lent me
upon that necklace?"
"Yes-but'- began the usurer,
One moment Prue quickly inter-
posed. Il am hopeiesly stupid about
such matters, but even l know that
Please tell me how much? Another
hundred pounds. perhaps, orr
4 don't know how much,' Aarons
interrupted bruskly. This is not a
matter of loan II interest
oh. pardon me, l hin it is said
Prue, drawing up her slender neck
with a vast access of dignity. Il am
charmed to have my diamonds once
more-God he knows for how long,"
and she took the jewel case from
Aarons' unresisting hand. And here.
my good sir, are three hundred pounds;
If | am still in you debt, let me know
ana l Will a o some other day"
She placed three of Robins bank
notes before him. and lifting the neck
lace from its velvet bed clasped it
about her throat.
There" she cried, facing Aarons
with a bewitching smile. Now you
can have your wish. | have put it on
SO that you can see me wear it,"
1T is a sight 1 shall always remem-
Der with admiration" said Aarons, re-
covering his self command with the
ease of long practice, {" and 1 will
lal 20 8 ~. 40 - \
remind you that L only avail a word
from you to place my fortune at your
feet"
"Ah!" sighed Prue. IF it were only a
question of your fortune! Mus you go,
Mr.. Aarons2" for he had risen, and hat
in hand, was already bowling himself
out.
Unfortunately, I am pressed for
time. Niscountess, so 1 am reluctantly
compelled to- take my leave: but I trust
not for long. Fare you Well" And he
was gone. leaving the bank notes where
she had placed them on the table.
In the hall he found James engaged
in an alteration with a red faced per-
son in shabby black of a quasi-clerical
cut. This Individual was not precise
ly drunk. but most evidently not very
sober, and the voice in which he ex-
pressed his intention of seeing and
speaking with the V~iscountess Brooke
IF he had to wait until midnight
was very husky and rather bellicose.
IF | an not see the Lady Brooke,
III wait and see Sir Godfrey Beaude-
sert," he insisted, as James reiterated
the utter impossibility of such q. visitor
to any member of the family.
Sir Godfrey Beaudesert does not
live here" replied James loftily. You
had better call at his house"
h tipsy gentleman leered in a most
impertinent fashion. I'm a good deal
more likely to find him at Lady
Brooke's house than his own" he OBJ
served c~onfidentially.
A hand was placed on his arm, and
turning with a nervous start he found
the harsh gaze Of Mr.. Aarons bent
sternly upon him.
"Parson Goodridge! you here and in
this condition" exclaimed the money
lender.
Me heree Well, so are your" hic-
coughed the reverend gentleman. who
the devil would expect to find old
'shent-per-shent' in a lady's boudoir?'
Il am frequently in places where
you would least expect to meet me-"
said Aarons, with a scowl at the 9TH
er's tipsy familiarity. Blu this meet
ing is opportune; l want a few words
with you. and as you will gain nothing
by waiting here, you may as we'll come
with me-
Goodridge hesitated and made an
abortive attempt to wriggle out of the
usurer's firm grasp.
You can't do anything to me-" he
said at last, in n resigned tone. s.T'm
safe in the Rules and all the credf-
tors in london town can not touch
me"
Continued Next Week.)
E4HH Esnek Ni-.. - A EaH