The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1914-06-27
CHAPTER XIV.
RattlinQ Old Bones,


platform when she descended from
the wagon lit in the Care du Nord
Sleepy passengers crowded with them
into the customs department. She
! alone among them all, was smiling
brightly, as if the world could be swee,
at an hour when, by all odds, it should
be sleepiest.
Il was up and on the lookout for you
at Amiens," he declared, as they
walked off together. You might have
got of there, you know" with a wry
grin.
Il shall not run away from you
again, Brandon" she said earnestly
Il promise, on my honor"
by Jove," he cried, that's a re-
lief" Then he broke into a happy
laugh.
Il shall go to the Ritz" she said
after her effects had been examined
and were ready for release.
Il thought So" he announced calm.
ly. Il wired for rooms before l left
London"
Really, this Is ridic-"
Don't frown like that, Hetty," he
pleaded.
AS they ratified and bounced over
the cobble-stones in a taxi-meter on
the way to the Place Vendome, he de-
voted the whole of his conversation to
the delicious breakfast they were to
have, expatiating glibly on the won
derful berries that would come first in
that always-to-be-remembered meal.
She was ravenously hungry by the
time they reached the hotel, just from
listening to his dissertation on chops
and rolls and coffee as they are served
in Paris, to say nothing of waffies and
honey and the rnarmalade that no Eng
lishman can do without.
Alone in his room, however, he was
quite another person. His calm assur-
ance took flight the instant he closed
the door and modify began to prepare
for his bath. Resolution was undi-
minished, but the facts in the case
were most desolating. Whatever it
was that stood between them, there
was no gainsaying its power to infiu-
ence their lives. It was no trife that
caused her to take this second flight.
and the sooner he came to realize the
seriousness of opposition the better.
He made up his mind on one point
in that half-hour before breakfast. IL
she asked him again to let her 70 her
way in peace, it was only fair to her
and right that he should submit to the
inevitable. She loved him, he was
sure OF 1t. Then there must be a very
good reason for her perplexing attitude
toward him. He would make one more
attempt to have the truth from her
Failing In that, he would accept the
situation as hopeless, for the time be.
ing at least. She should know that he
loved her deeply enough for that
She Joined him in the little open-air
cafe. and they sat down at a table in a
remote corner. There were few peo-
pie breakfasting. In her tender blue
eyes there was look of sadness that
haunted him, even as she smiled and
called him beloved.
"Hetty, darling" he said. leaning
forward and laying his hand on hers
cant you tell me what it is?"
She was prepared for the question.
In her heart she knew the time had
come when she must be fair with him
He observed the pallor that stole into
her warm. smooth cheeks as she re.
garded him fixedly for a long time be-
fore replying.
There Is only one person In the
world who can tell you, Brandon. 1t is
for her to decide. / mean Sara Wran-
dali"
he felt a queer, sickening sensation
OF uneasiness sneak into existence. In
the back of his mind, a hateful fear
began to shape itself. For a long time
ne looked into her somber ewes. and
as be looked the fear that was hateful
TOOK on something of definite shape.
Did you know her husband?" he
asked, and somehow he knew what the
answer would be.
fes," she replied, after a moment.
she was startled. Ter lips remained
parted.
de watched her closely. Has this
this secret anything to do with Chal.
lis Wrandall?"
1t has" said she, meeting his gaze
steadily.
His hands clutched the edge OF the
table in grip that turned the knuckles
white.
"Hetty!" he cried, in a hoarse whis-
per. "You-can't mean that you"
You must go to Sara" she cried
hurriedly. Haven't told you that she
is the one"
Were you In love with that internal
scoundrel?" he demanded fiercely.
Sara knows everything. She will
tell you"
Were you carrying on an affair
with him while protesting to be the
friend Of his wife? Tell me that! Did
she find you out and"
oh, Brandon, why will you per.
sfst z" she cried har eyoa af3ama .J