The Huttig news., 1914-05-30

had been put aside as utterly unthink- able. She came back with you?" There was look of horror on the face of Jackson Jones.
 Yes, sir"
 His masters wrath rose. "You idiots What did you let her do that for?'
 Rankin spoke slowly and reluctant ly She insisted that she must see you and talk with you, sir
 Now rose soul in wild revolt. q won't see her. l won't talk to heri"
 But she's right outside the hedge, sir. You must see heri"
 'I--o
 "Oh, she's perfectly reconciled, sir; believe me"
 Here was shock as pleasant as the other had been terrible. It was almost too good to be true Recon eiled! You mean she understands that I-'
 "Oh, yes, sir. She's already sent out denial of her engagement to you
 His nearer could have rent the air with shouts of joy, but did not He only asked namely: Has she?'
 Yes, sir" Now Rankin once more hesitated Tn the form, sir. of-er- another announcement"
 This nearly stunGed his master You mean she's engaged to someone else?"
 Yes, sir; she's going to marry the earl of Cortland" "
 ha h., ened. Was life to be entirely smooth and joyous after all, instead of only partly merry, with the balance turned into a tragedy by his ancient Sweet heart, dearie?" The earl of Cort. land!" he exclaimed.
 Yes, sir; will you see her. sir? I think it's best for all concerned"
 You're sure, are you? It's not a dream, or anything like that? She isn't trying to trap me?"
 No, sir. May I ask her to come in i? She's just behind the hedge
 Did Bob see herr"
 No; he was so busy talking with ls his father, sir, that he did not recog- nize us as we passed. Seems to be most earnest. sir. his father"
 Rankin. if you're certain, bring her in. But if-s
 I'm quite certain sir"
 Jackson waited for them near the entrance to the verdant circle. He thought it better not to go back to the house. Even if the lady was quite reconciled there still might be some details of her conversation which he would not care 10 have heard by the subsequently, one of the girls. Almost immediately Rankin re, turned with Mrs. Gerard, not only walking by his side, but clinging to his arm. Her voice did not sound warlike as she greeted Broadway. How do you do, Jackson?" she said quietly.
 How do you do, Mrs. Gerard?'
 Has Rankin told you?"
 "Yes, Mrs. Gerard; Rankin has told me-"
 She really seemed very much upset. but not belligerently so. I'd never be happy if New York should imagine I'd been tilted. or the subject of practical joke" she began simply My excuse for throwing you over is very good one-my engagement to the earl of Cortland"
 He bowed, too puzzled to find any words.
 After few hours talk with Ran kin l became convinced that mar raige between you and me never would have been haOny one"
 Again Broadway nodded. He could quite agree with that
 Hence my decision to marry the earl" She went closer to him almost pleadingly. Eve played fair with you. Jackson; now I want you to do the same by me-
 "I'll do anything you ask" he fer vently assured her Anything with in reason Mrs. Gerard
 "All I ask is that you keep my secret"
 q will. What is it"
 You really don't know?"
 No, Mrs Gerard
 After another tiny hesitation she held out her hand to Rankin. May present the earl of Cortland?" she said, leading the abashed butler for ward.
 What" Broadway was astonished almost to the point of physical col lapse.
 "It's true" she went on gravely. We've had thorough understanding, and Rankin has agreed to become an earl"
 Again Broadway's surprise was all most more than he could quietly sup port.
 "Oh, don't be astonished. It's my only protection. Have I your solemn promise that you'll not divulge the SC cret?"
 T give you my word of honor" he said fervently.
 Very we'll Goodhy,'' IIa aarpact1v chcoly hande ny;ft