The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1914-08-27

opposed 10 the plan you advocate.
There is no occasion for this matter to
go to the public. A trial, you say,
would be a mere Formally. am not
SO sure of that. Why put poor Hetty's
head in the lions mouth at this late
stage, after l have protected her so
carefully all these months? Why, take
the risk? We know she is innocent
Isn't 1t enough that we acquit her in
our hearts? No, cannot consent, and
hold both of you to your promises"
There Is nothing more l can say,
my dear Sara" said Carroll, shaking
his head gloomfly, except to urge you
to think 1t over very seriously. Re-
member. 1t may mean great deal to
her-and to our eager young friend
here. Years from now, like bolt from
the sky, the truth may come out In
some way. Think of what it would
mean then"
Sara regarded him steadily. There
are but four people who know the
TRUTH" she said slowly. 1T isn't like
ly that Hetty or Brandon will tell the
story. Professional honor forbids your
doing SO. That leaves me as the sole
| peril. Is that what you would imply,
my dear friend?"
mot at ALL he cried hastily. mot
at all. /"
That's all tommy-rot, Sara" cried
Booth earnestly. I'VE just couldn't
| have anything to fear from you
With curious inconsistency, she
shook her head and remarked: "Of
course, you never could be quite easy
in your minds. There would always
be the feeling of unrest. Am l to be
trusted. after all? 1 have proved my
self to be vindictive schemer. What
assurance can you and Hetty have that
l will not turn against one or the 9TH
er of you some time and crush you to
satisfy a personal grievance? How do
| you know, Brandon, that l am not in
love with you at this very"
Good heavens. Sara!" he cried,
agape.
- at this very moment?" she con-
tinued. 1T would not be SO very
strange, would 1t? l am very human.
The power to love Is not denied nee.
Oh, am merely philosophizing. Don't
look so serious. We will suppose that
continued along my career as the
woman scorned. You have seen how
smart under the lash. Well?"
But all that is impossible" said
Booth, his face clearing. You're not
in love with me, and never can be-
That! for your philosophy"
At the same instant he became
aware of the singular CLEAN in he1
eyes; liquid, oriental glow that
seemed to reflect light on her lower
lids as she sat there with her face in
the shadow. Once or twice before he
had been conscious of the mysterious
seductive appeal. He stared back al
her, almost defensively, but her gaze
did not waver. 1t was he who first
looked away, curiously uncomfortable
STILL" she said slowly, Il think yor
would be wise to consider all possible
contingencies.
'I'll take chances, Sara" he said
with an odd buoyancy in his voice that
for the life of him, he could not ex
plain, even to himself.
Even admitting that such should
turn out to be the case," said Mr.. Car
} roll judicially, Il don't believe you't
go so far as to put Z1sar loyal friend:
in jeopardy, Sara So we will dismis:
the thought. Don't forget, however
) that you hold them in the hollow o
) your hand. Ny original contention wal
based on the time-honored saying
} murder will out We never can tel
what may turn up. The best laid plans
of men and mice Oft"
Sara settled back among the cush
ions with a peremptory wave of he
hand. The loose, flowing sleeve fel
away, revealing her white, exquisitel.
modelled arm almost to the shoulder
For some strange, unaccountable rea
son Booths eyes fell.
Il am tired, wretchedly tired. 1t ha'
been most exhausting day." she said
with a sudden note Of WEAKNESS in he
voice. Both men started up apollo
getically Il will think seriously o
your plan, Mr.. Carroll. There Is n
hurry, I'm sure Please send Mis-
| Wrandall in to me, will you? Perhap
, you would better tell Hetty to com
, In as soon as Vivian leaves. Com
back tomorrow afternoon, Brandon.
shall be much more cheerful. BY tn
way, have you noticed that Dicky, GU
in the library, has been singing all aft
! ernoon as If his little throat woul
] split? It is very curious, but today i
; the first time he has uttered a not
, in nearly five months. Just listen t
him! He is fairly riotous with song.
- Booth leaned over and kissed tn
| hand she lifted to him. HE is like tn
e | rest of us, Sara, Unfortunately happy.
| A slight shiver ran through her arm
He felt it.
r 81 am so afraid his exuberance c
e spirit may annoy Vivian" said she
with a rare smile. "She detests WI
f garity."
r The men departed. She lay back i
e the chaise-lounge, her eyes fixed o
the hand he had touched with his lip
Watson tapped twice on the door.
7, Miss Wrandall could not wal
ma'am," he said, opening the door sof
ly. She will call again tomorrow"
Thank you. Watson. Will 20
n hand me the cigarettes ?"
8 Watson hesitated. THE cigarette
ma'am?"
II YES"
e But the doctors orders, ma'am. be,
gin9 YOUR pardon for"