Pocahontas star herald., 1914-04-24

fho other had bcon terrible. IL was
almost too good 20 BE- true Recon
choii yoo nean sho understands
llbat -
-Oh yes aif Shes already sent
fat q denial q hcr ensaeement 70
yon"
Ills hencr could have rent the air
aIth shouts of 10Y hui did not He
oni, asked namely Has shef'
yes. sir" NOW Rankin once more
hesitaled In the form. s'r. of-ef--
another announcement
This nearly stunned his master
you mean she's engaged 10 someone
elrelT
Yea sir. she's going 10 marry the
earl OF Cortland
The recently harassed youth bright
ened. Was life 10 be entirely smooth
and Joyous after all. instead OF only
partly merry, with the balance turned
into a tragedy by his ancient Sweet
heart. dearief" The earl Of cort.
land!" he exclaimed.
Yes, sir: VIII you see her. sir? ]
think It's best for all concerned"
You're sure. are you? It's not a
dream. OF anything like that? She
isn't trying 10 trap me!'
NO. sir. May ask her TO come in7
She's Just behind the hedge"
Did Bob see herr"
NO: he was so busy talking with
HE father. sir. that he did not recog-
nlze rs as We passed. Seems to be
most earnest. sir. his father
Rankin. II you're certain. bring her
in. But il"
I'm quite certain. sir"
Jackson waited for them near the
entrance 70 the verdant circle lie
thought Il better not TO go back to
the house Even " the lady was quite
reconclled there still might be some
details OF her conversation which be
would not care 10 have heard by the
giris-espsciaily one Of the girls.
Almost Immediately Rankin re-
turned with Mrs. Gerard. not only
walking by his side. but clineing TO
his arm. Her voice did not sound
uarlike as she greeted Broadway.
How do you do, Jackson? she said
quietly
How do you do. Mrs. Gerard?"
"Has Rankin told your"
Yes, Mrs. Gerard; Rankin has told
me-"
She really seemed very much upset,
but not belligerently so. I'D never
be happy II New York should imagine
I'd been fitted, or the subject of a
practical Joke" she began simply. my
excuse for throwing you over is n very
good one-my engagement to the earl
OF Cortland"
He bowed. too puzzled TO find any
words.
After a Few hours talk with Ran.
kin became convinced that a mar.
raige between You and me never would
have been a happy one"
Again Broadway nodded He could
quite agree with that.
Hence my decision TO marry the
earl She went closer to him almost
pleadingly I've played fair with you.
Jackson. now want you to do the
same by me"
I'm do anything you ask" he fer
vently assured her Anything with.
IN reason. Mrs Gerard
''All [ ask IS that yop keep my
secret"
u will What is it?"
you really don't knowg'
No, Mrs. Gerard
Aftef 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.
TITS true" she went on gravely.
We've had a thorough understanding
and Rankin has agreed to become an
earl"
Again Broadway's surprise was al
most more than he could quietly sup
port.
oh, don't be astonishedl It's my
only protection. Have your solemn
promise that you'll not divulge the Sc
cret?"
I give you my word Of honor" he
said fervently.
Very well Goodby!"
He earnestly shook hands with her
"Goodby, Mrs. Gerard. I hope you
viii be very happy"
\ 1T isn't a question Of happiness
Jackson she said slowly. and in a
way that somewhat worried him. q
simply don't want to be Inundated
You understand"
Yes; l understand, Mrs. Gerard"
She turned to the earl of Cortland
Shake hands with Mr.. Jones. Ran
kin"
jackson pulled him to one side. al
most Indignantly "see here. Rankin
do you mean to tell me that you'd dC
such mean Contemplate thiur q.
70 marry q woman deliberately FOR hei
money!
y ~ es 'sir, 9said Rankin vaty tsfggely
! and thank YOU. sir for the opportu