The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1914-12-25

that l."
"Oh. yes. sir. She's already sen
out a denial OF her engagement II
you"
His hearer could have rent the all
with shouts Of Joy, but did not II,
only asked namely: Has she?"
Yes. sir" Now Rankin once more
hesltated 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 10 be entirely smooth
and Joyous after all, instead Of only
partly merry, with the balance turn ed
into tragedy by his ancient Sweet
heart. dearie?" The earl OF Cort
land" he exclaimed.
Yes. sir; will you see her. sir? |
think It's best for all concerned"
You're sure. are you? It's not q
dream, or anything like that? She
isn't trying to trap me?"
No sir May | ask her to come In ,
She's just behind the hedge"
Did Bob see her."
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 It better not to go back to
the house. Even II 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
wariike as she greeted broadway.
How do you do, Jackson" she said
! quietly.
How do you DO, Mrs Gerard7"
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 a
practical joke" she began simply. MY
excuse for throwing you over is a very
| good one-my engagement to the earl
| Of Cortland"
words.
After few hours talk with Ran
kin | became convinced that mar
rlage between you and me never would
have been IA happy one"
Again Broadway nodded. He could
quite agree with that.
Hence my decision to marry the
| earl" She went closer to him almost
! pleadlngly. I've played fair with you.
Jackson; now | want you to do the
same by me-"
IN do anything you ask" he fer
| NtlLIy dSoui tu utl any lulLS WIN
in reason, Mrs. Gerard
"A;l ask Is that you keep my
secret"
II Will What is IT."
You really don't know"
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.
It's true" she went on gravely.
We've had thorough understanding,
and Rankin has agreed to become an
| earl"
Again Broadvay's surprise was al
most more than he could quietly sup
port.
"Oh. don't be astonished. It's my
only protection. Have your solemn
promise that you'll not divulge the Sc
cret?"
Il give you my word OF honor" he
said fervently.
Very we'll. 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 a
way that somewhat worried him. II
simply don't want to be Inundated
You understand"
Yes; | 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 do
such a 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. carlie." Mrs Gerard called
softly.
Yes. Beatrice" He dropped the
hand OF his erstwhile employer and
took the arm OF his affianced wife.
I'VE have just six minutes before
| train time" she admonished him and