Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1913-07-30
CHAPTER XIV



Why? Il flashed into my mind that
II had to do with Natalie's missing
ruby. did not stop 10 reason or
conjecture | caught up a sweater,
for the night was growing cool and
already I was shlyerlng went out
along the corridor, up the few steps
to the main hallway, then down the
stairs on the other side Of the few
steps to the gallery. which was an
outlet to the tennis courts. Hap was
waiting.
What Is IT," I gasped. What has
happened? Has anything happened"
Yes" he answered. after a mo-
ments hesitation. Something has
happened"
He caught my hand and drew me
across the strip OF lawn that sep
arated the house and the courts.
Where are we going?" | asked
breathlessly.
ITO the beach. want to talk to
you"
We almost stumbled over some one
asleep. II was Henri. Hap prodded
him with his foot and Henri sat up,
rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
Get up, you idiot" Hap command
ed. This is no place to sleep"
He'll catch cold" chartered as
the cold night air struck my arms and
my barred neck.
Henri arose and disappeared into
the shadows. Hap helped me put on
the sweater, turned me around as II
were little child, buttoned me and
hurried me on to the beach. We clat-
tered down the steps to the sand be
low and sat down just as We had
only a couple OF hours ago.
Nov, what is it?" asked. What
has happened?"
you are prepared for anything?"
He gazed into my white face. I know
1t was white. you will not be fright.
ened"
Il am prepared for anything" I an
swered, trying to keep my voice
steady. 81 promise you will not be
frightened. l promise!"
He clasped my hands in both his
own.
Darling"
Yes, yes?"
81 love you"
waited, fearing, dreading l knew
not what.
What has happened?" ! asked.
Don't keep me in suspense"
THAT has happened" He smiled.
"What?"
81 love you"
looked at him IN establishment;
he was smiling easily. A sudden wave
of anger swept over me,
You have tricIOed me! thought
It was the ruby. ! thought was
sure" Connected thought forsook
me.
Hang the ruby" he exclaimed. 81
did trick you, dear, because you are
so blessed sensible. Your cool little
note, which l have here over my
heart, convinced me that you are not
at all a comforting kind of a sweet
heart, but hope to teach you. Now,
look into my eyes and tell me you
love me! Nothing else matters;
nothing else except my love for you.
I'm sorry | frightened you again.
~didnt think of that only knew
wanted you TO come, knew that
couldn't wait another moment to see
you, to hear you say you love me-"
He was sweeping me off my feet
again. closed my eyes to steady my.
self. ! wonder If he knew just how
much my being sensible had cost me
just hoy much more it was going to
cost me to push back, trample down
I'm trying to be sensible" l said
and the tone of my voice was cool
because was trying to keep it steady
my sister has pounded it into me so
I know my head rules my heart
there's line in my hand that says
so, but it's because I must be sen
sible"
l gave way in contradiction of my
words and swayed forward. His arm
went around me. | placed my hands
comrade-like, on his shoulders. l wal
trying to live up to that line in m!
hand.
This can't go on" said.
"What?"
This seeing you, with a moon like
that. and no one near and loving you.
he kissed me before I could finish "
must be sensible!"
You love me-darling?"
OH"
"Why must you be sensible?"
! thought for a while before I an
swered, meeting his eyes unwavering
ly. 1t was hard to put the answer in
to words if he did not already under
stand the intangible everything tina
was the reason.
DO you remember that I'm in
very serious position?" I asked him
1--WE been accused of-of being
thief, not suspected, but actually &C
cused Perhaps tomorrow ! shall b.
arrested. That means-means hand
cuffs, doesn't it? And Jail? It's sur
| to be in the newspapers. Arrests ar
a matter Of public record, aren't they
Then l will have to Vindicate myself
/ And how? And If I do, the smudg
will always be there, my name in tn
records of the police. Do you suppos
l am going to let you expose yoursel
/ as my champion? Everybody will BIZ
lieve it, except perhaps your mother
! and Laura and-and yourself. Mis-
= Agazziz believes I'm thief"
, | uT o,,Iia will vOu marry mo toDigb