The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1913-08-15
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Without an instant's hesitation he
drew aside the curtain. and stepped IN
to the room.
Pardon me-" he said quietly. as the
two started back at his rather abrupt
entrance, but l did not care to YER
hear your conversation. No doubt II
was intended to be private"
The stepped somewhat In
advance of her companion. as though
to shield him from observation. In
stantly mastering her surprise.
Nothing at all serious, MI. Ser
seant Hamlin." she retorted scornful-
ly. Don't be melodramatic, please; It
gets en- the nerves. II you must know,
| was merely giving our ranch fore
man a few final instructions, as he
leaves tomorrow. Have you obtec-
tions?"
"Assuredly not-your ranch fore
man. you say? Met him before, l
think. You are the fellow | ordered
out Of this room. aren't your"
The man growled something unintel-
ligible, but Mrs. Dupont prevented any
direct reply.
That's all right. John" she broke in
impatiently. You understand what l
want now. and need not remain any
longer. have a word to say myself
to this man."
She waited an instant while he left
the room; then her eyes defiantly met
Hamlin's.
Il vas told you had driven every one
out OF here" she said coldly. What
was the gamer"
This room was reserved"
"Pish! keep that explanation for
some n else. You wanted the room
for some purpose. Who have you got
out there?" she pointed at the window.
Whether there be any one or not
he answered. leaning against the win
dow frame, and thus barring the pass
age, Il fail to see wherein you are
concerned"
She laughed.
Which remark is equivalent to q
confession. Dave" suddenly changing,
why should we quarrel, and misjudge
each other? You cannot suppose
have forgotten the past, or Am indiffer
ent. Cannot you forgive the mistake
Of a t~houghtless girl? Is there any
reason why we should not be, at least
friendly?"
There was an appeal in her voice
but the mans face did not respond.
81 cannot say that | feel any bitter
ness owe the past" he answered light
ly. Il am willing enough to blot tina
out. What | am interested in Is tn,
present. l should like to understand
your purpose here at Dodge"
Surely that Is sufficiently clear.
am merely an exile from home, on &C
count of Indian ~depredations. VIVA
more natural than that ! should tax,
refuge In my uncle's house."
You mean Major McDonald?"
"Certainly-he was my mother
only brother"
Il think | have heard somewher
that the Majors only sister married
man named Counts"
She drew in her breath sharply.
Yes, of course-her first husband.
You were a daughter then OF he
first marriage"
"Of course"
But assumed the name Of Carso
when she married again."
That was when you met me-"
The change was natural enough,
he went on. But why did you also b,
come Vera in place OF Sarah"
"Oh. is that 1t? Well. never attemr
to account for the vagaries of a girl
she returned lightly, as though di
missing the subject II presume
took a fancy tc the prettier name. B,
how did you known"
Garrison rumor picks up nearl
everything. and 1t is not very kind
you, Mrs. Dupont. | hope l am dom
you a favor IN saying this. Your rat.
er open Irritation with Lieutenant Ga
' kins is common talk, even among e
listed men, and / have heard that 20,
D. relations with Major Mcdonald are D
culiar."
Ia Indeed" with a rising infection
the voice. How kind OF you, and
%delicately expressed" She laughe
lie And poor Major Mcdonald! Reall
that Ia ridiculous. Could you imagiI
j. my flirting with him?"
. Il have no recollection Of using tn
term In this connection. But you ha'
10 strange influence over him. For son
" reason the mar Il apparently afraid
you"
Afraid Of me? Oh. no! Some o.
has been fooiins you, Dave. l q
merely Major McDonald's guest.
wonder who told you thAtf Shall
At guess?"
It Before he could realise her purpo