Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1914-08-27

-oh. she's perfectly reconciled, sir;
believe me-"
Here was a shock as pleasant as
the other had been terrible. II was
almost too good to be true. Recon,
ciled! You mean she understands
that T."
"oh, yes, sir. She's already sent
out a denial of her engagement to
you"
His hearer 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. In the form, sir. of-er--
another announcement"
This nearly stunned his master.
You mean she's engaged to someone
else?"
Yes, sir; she's going to marry the
earl of Cortland"
The recently harassed youth bright
ened. Was life to be entirely smooth
and joyous after all, instead OF only
partly merry, with the balance turned
into 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
icnit trvino n tran Yna9n
mo, sir. May ask her to come in?
She's just behind the hedge"
did Bob see herr
No; he was so busy talking with
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"
I'm quite certain, sir"
Jackson waited for them near the
entrance to the verdant circle. He
thought II better not to go back to
the house. Even IL the lady was quite
reconciled there still might be some
details of her conversation which he
would not care to 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 II New York should imagine
I'd been Tilted, or the subject of a
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 a few hours talk with Ran
kin | became convinced that a mar
rage between you and me never would
have been 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-"
f2W Ioranyeifing you ash; @isszssx'
vently assured her. Anything with
in reason, Mrs. Gerard.
"All ! ask is that you keep my
secret"
Il will. What is it?"
you really don't known
mo, 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.
TITS true" she went on gravely.
We've had thorough understanding,
and Rankin has agreed to become an
earl"
Again Broadway's surprise was al
most more than he could quietly sup
port
ooh, don't be astonishedl It's my
only protection. Have / your solemn
promise that you'll not divulge the Sc
cret?
81 give you my word of honor" he
said fervently.
very well. Goodby!"
He earnestly shook hands with her.
"Goodby, Mrs. Gerard. | hope you
will be very happy"
1T isn't question OF happiness,
Jackson" she said slowly, and in
way that somewhat worried him, 81
simply don't want to be Inundated.
You understand
yes; understand, Mrs Gerard"
She turned to the ear! 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 do
such mean contemplate thing as
to marry a woman deliberately for her
money!
Yes, sir" said Rankin very gravely,
"and thank you, sir. for the opportu-
nifty"
Come, Garlic" Mrs. Gerard called
softly.
Yes, Beatrice" He dropped the
hand of his erstwhile employer and
took the arm Of his afianced wife.
I'VE have just six minutes before
train time" she admonished him. and