New Ulm review., 1913-11-26

more vile than that from Whlcn tney
had generously released him. He real
lied that it would be unwise to create
a disturbance in the house by clamor-
ing for freedom. because. in the first
place. there already had been scandal
enough. and. in the second place. his
distrustful bondsmen had promised
faithfully to seek out the devoted Con
ME and apprise her of his release, He
had no thought. of course, that In the
meantime she might be dnped into pay
ing bribe to the guard.
Not only was he direfully cursing the
trio. but also the addlepated Medcroft
and his own Anticipated self. 1t is to
be feared that he had harsh thoughts
of all the MedcrOfts. as far down as
Raggles. His dream Of love and hap
piness had turned into "A nightmare:
the comedy had become tragic snar'
Of all the effects known to melodrama
1t occurred to him at . O'Clock that
pacing the floor in the agony OF sus-
pense was 4 very useless occupation.
He would go to bed, Morning would
bring relief and ,surcease to his troD-
bled mind Constance was doubtless
sound asleep in her room, Everything
would have been explained to her long
before this hour: She would under
stand So. with the return Of his old
sophistry. he undressed and crawled
into the strange bed Somehow he
did not ike it as we'll as the cot In
the balcony below.
Just as be was dropping OF into the
long delayed slumber. he heard light
tapping at his door. He sat up in bed
like dash. thoroughly wide awake.
tThesrapping was repeated. He called
out in cautious tones. asking who was
there. at the same time slipping from
bed totfumble in the darkness for his
clothes.
'.z "'Sh!r came from the, hallway. He,
rushed over and put his ear to the
door. 1T is l. Are you awake? I
can't stay here. It's wrong. Listen,
Here's a note-under the door, Good
night. darling. I'm heartbroken."
"Thank God. it's your be cried soft
~. ''How | love you, Constance"'
: "'Sh! Edith is with me: Oh. I
wish it were morning and could see
you. have SO much to say"
Another Querulous voice broke In:
'For heavens sake. Connie. don't
stand here any longer. Our reputa-
lions are bad enough as 1t is Good
night-Roxbu bury He distinctly heard
the heartless Edith giggle Then came
the soft. quick swish of garments and
the nocturnal visitors were gone. He
picked up the envelope and. waiting
until they were safely down the hall,
turned on the light.
Dearest" be read. 1t was not my
fault and know it was not yours.
But. oh. you don't know how suffer
ed all through those hours of waiting
at the cafe. They did not t1nd me un-
til after 2. They were drunk. They
tried to explain. What do you think
the authorities will do to me If they
find that gave that horrid man bribe
money? Really. I'm terribly nervous.
But he won't dare say anything. will
he? He is as guilty AS l.. for he took
it. He took it knowing that you were
free at the time But we will talk it
over tomorrow. I've just got. back to
the hotel. | wouldn't go to bed until
Edith brought me up to hear your dear
voice am so glad You are not dead.
It is impossible to release you tonight
Those wretches have the key. How !
loathe them. Edith says the hotel is
wild with gossip about everything and
every body It's just awful. Be Of good
heart. my beloved will be your
faithful slave until death. With love
and alteration and kisses. Your own
Constance. '...= !
"P. $. Roxbury has not made sign. |
Edith is frantic"
Several floors below the relieved and |
ecstatic Brock. Mrs Medcroft was I
soon urging her sister to go to bed
and let the story go until daylight.
She persisted in telling all that she
had done and all that she had endured.
I'VE must never let him know that
we actually gave that wretch nearly
S. 500. Edith. He would never forgive
us. admit that was fool and
ninny, so don't tell me ! am. can
see by the way yoD are looking that
you're just crazy to. It's all Roxbnry's
fault. anyway. Why should he get
I'D and make q speech in London with
out letting us know? Just see how it
has placed us! think Mr.. Brock Is
an angel to do what he has done for
YOU and Roxbury. Yes, my dear. you
will have to confess that Roxbury is
brute-a perfect brute. I'm sure. II
you have a spark Of fairness in you,
YOU must hate him No, no. Don't
say anything. Edith You know I'm
right" ...
ITO be concluded)