The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-12-16
CHAPTER XVII.


Crossing the Channel.
Booth. restless with 4 vague un-
eastncSs that had come over him dur
Ing the night, Keeping him awake un-
I'll nearly dawn. was hard put during
the early hours of the forenoon to ina
occupation for his interest until a sea-
sonablc time arrived for appearing at
Southlook. He was unable to account
for this feeling of uncertainty and ir-
ritatiou
AT nine he set out to walk over TO
SouthloolS. realizing that he should
have TO spend an hour in prohtloss COS
sip with the lodgckccper before pre-
senting himself at the villa. but some
how relishing the thought that even
so he would be nearer 10 IIe,ty than
If he remained in his own dooryard.
Halfway there hc was uvcrtaken by
Sara's big French machine returning
from the village. The car came to n
standstill as he stepped aside TO let It
pass, and Sara herself leaned over ana
cordially invited him to get in and
ride homo with her
What an carly bird you arc" he OK
claimed as he took his seat beside her
She was not In mood for airy per-
sit!aec a. he soon discovered.
Miss Castlcton has gone UP to town,
AIR Booth" She said rather lifclessly.
Il have Just taken her to the sta
ton. She caught the eight thirty"
He was ut once solicitous no bad
news | hope There was 10 thought
! In his mind that her absence was other
| than temporary.
She Is not coming back. Brandon"
She had not addressed him as Brandon
/ before
He stared "You--you mean" The
! words died on his lips
'Sho is not coming back" sho re-
/ pcated.
! An accusing CLEAN leapea Into his
eyes.
What has happened. Mrs wran
DALI" ho asked.
( She was quick 70 perceive tho change
. in his voice and manner.
she prefers to live apart from me
| That is all"
When was this decision rcached?'
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 lcav-
/ ing your homc?" he demanded with n
nush on his cheek
She met his look without aimchlng
1T Was tho beginning"
( "You-you criticized her? YOU tool,
/ Il notified her that she was to marry
Leslie Wraudan. If She marries any
/ one ~ an She said in perfectly
I level tone.
Good Lord, Mrs. wrandall."
But she is not going 10 marry Les
lie"
II know tt knew IT Yesterday
he cried triumphnntIy. she loves me.
sara. Didn't sho say as much to you ?"
Yes Brandon. she loves you But
she Will not he your wife"
What is all this mystery? Why
can't she be my wife? What is there
! 10 prevent"
she regarded him win dark. in
scrutablc eyes. Many seconds PASSED
before size spoke
Would YOU want her for your wife
if YOU knew she had belonged to an
ether man.
lie turned very cold The palms of
his hands were wet, as with icewatcr.
Something dark seemed to fit before
Il viii not believe that Of her" he
said. shaking his head with an air
Of nnality.
THAT is not an answer to my qucs
ton"
Yes, ! would s,i!i want her" he de-
clarcd steadily
II merely meant 10 put you to the
harshcst test" she said. ana there was
relief In her voice. "Shc is a good
girl, she is pure. asked my question
because until yesterday had reason
to doubt her"
Good heavens how could you doubt
those honest, guiltlcss eyes Of"
She shook her head sadly. ITO an
swcr YOU would have to reveal the
secret that makes it Impossible for
her to become your wife, and that I
cannot. viii not do
Is il fair to me-
Perhaps not. but it is fair 10 her
and that is why | must remain silent. -
"iieforc God. shall know the truth
from her, If not from you--and--"
IF YOU love her. if YOU Will be kind
To her YOU viii let her go her way in
peace"
He was struck by the somewhat sin
lister carnestness OF her words
Tell me where may find her" he
said. setting his jaw
1T Will not be difficult for YOU Ia
ma her. she said. browning, ''if you
insist on pursuing her"
You drive her away from your house
sara Wrandall. ana yet expect mo 10
believe that your motives are friendly
Why should I accept your word as
; nnal"
II did not drive her away, nor did
ask her 10 stay"
lie stared hard at her.
Good Lord, what is the meaning OF
all this he cried in pcrplcxity what
am to understands"
The car had como to n stop under tho
porte cochcre. She laid her hand on
his arm.
IF you will come in with me, Bran.
don. ! will try to make some things
clear 10 you"
He left in half an hour, walking
rapidly down the drive. his coat but.
toned closely, although tho morninp
was hot and brcathless. lie held in his
hard small scrap of paper on which
was written: If l loved you less,