The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1913-03-20

retorted. "I did think you loved me
but l see Ii Is not so; a man who loved
me would fling discretion to the winds
and busy himself with plans for keep
on such scruples! 1 will not be set
free. II there is anything infamous
about our marriage, the infamy Is mine
and l take the consequences and glory
in them. Leave me now, If honor and
duty call you. We are young and who
knows what may happen? The king
who calls you away now, will bring you
back in triumph some day, then, per-
haps, 1t may be Beachcombe's turn to
be hunted and driven from his coun-
try" Their suddenly remembering the
cause of Lord Beachcombe's fierce pur-
suit, h brought out the little packet,
somewhat crumpled, but otherwise in
tact. Il had almost forgotten to re-
turn this" she said; Il found it after
you had escaped by the river on Tues
day and methinks It's for this he seeks
you"
Robin took the packet and glanced
at the superscription., "'Tis indeed
this" he exclaimed. BY a miracle 1t
fell into your hands instead OF his.
Prithe keep 1t, dear one; there is that
in this envelope in exchange for which
B~eachcombe would give all his earthly
possessions and mayhap, some day
when I am not here to protect you, it
may be worth much to you to hold the
secret that compelled him to take me
out Of Newgate and has kept him
thirsting for my life ever since.
Il am but a weak woman" said Prue.
smiling archly, as she replaced the
precious packet in her bosom. Can
you trust me with such a secret"
""Tis the secret Of my BIRTH" said
Robin, gravely, IAN belongs as much
to my wife as to me-"
sI IiEHnynrnI fhot aaoraf For ,o,,.olR
this afternoon" Prue began, but Bar
bara, thinking h had given the lovers
ample time to make up their quarrel.
now came back on hOspitable thoughts
intent, and the trio, in a very pleasant
mood, sat down to supper.
1t was long past midnight when
Prue, after several fainthearted sug-
gesttons, at last rose resolutely and
announced that she really must go
home, and refusing Barbara's urgent
offer Of her now sedan chair, declared
she would have Robins escort and
walk the short distance to Lady Drum
loch'S house.
away now, than to wait until daylight"
she said.
1T would be safest, / think, for him
to stay here for a few days" Barbara
proposed seriously. But the mutinous
pout, and glance Of arch defiance with
which Prue received her suggestion,
provoked her to hearty laughter, and
she received Robins thanks for her
protection and the farewells of both
her guests with an air Of such thor
ough comprehension that Prue felt
constrained to whisper in her ear, II
will come to confession tomorrow, dear
Gossip" and blushingly hurried away
on Robins arm.
Late as it was, they fingered on the
way and managed to exc 10 minutes
walk into 40. Robin had so much to
say-so many VOWS of eteranl fidelity
to pledge, and such repeated assur-
ances to give of his swift return-that
1t was not until a nearby church clock
struck 2, hat Prue quickened her steps
a little and declared with a sigh that
the parting moment had really come.
You VOL be careful, dearRobin," she
pleaded. DO not u any risks and If
we cannot meet again safely before
you leave for France, write me by some
sure hand and 1 win do the same. Re
member forbid you to attempt to
visit me-but, oh! l shall count the
hours until l see you again"
With the prospect of a long and per-
haps fatal parting. their farewells were
not soon over: each asst kiss was but
an excuse for n more, until the
tramp Of the approaching nightwatch
warned them Of the danger Of delay,
and Prue tore herself from his arms
and without trusting herself to q back
ward glance, hurried into the house.