Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1914-12-17
CHAPTER XIV.
CROSSING the Channel.


Booth. restless with a vague uneasi-
ness that had come over him during
the night, keeping him awake until
nearly dawn. was hard put during the
early hours OF the forenoon to find
occupation for his interest until a
seasonable time arrived for appearing
at Southlook. He was unable TO ac-
count for this feeling OF uncertainty
and irritation.
AT nine he set out to walk over TO
Southlook. realizing that he should
have TO spend an hour in profitless
gossip with the lodge keeper before
presenting himself at the villa, but
somehow relishlng the thought that
even so he would be nearer 10 Hetty
than If he remained in his own door
yard.
Halfway there We was overtaken by
Saras big French machine returning
from the village. The car came to
standstill as he stepped aside to let
1t pass. and Sara herself leaned over
and cordially invited him to get in and
ride home with her
What an early bird you are" he ex-
claimed as he took his seat beside
her.
She was not in mood for airy per-
sifiage, as he soon discovered.
Miss Castleton has gone up to
town. Mr.. Booth" she said rather
lifelessly. Il have just taken her TO
the station. She caught the eight
thirty"
He was at once solicitous. NO bad
news, hope?" There was no thought
IN his mind that her absence was
other than temporary.
She is not coming back. Brandon"
She had not addressed him as Bran
don before
He stared. "You-you mean" The
words died on his lips.
She is not coming back" she re-
peated.
An accusing CLEAN leaped into his
eyes. -.
What has happened. Mrs. Wran-
dall?" he asked
she was quick to perceive the
change in his voice and manner.
She prefers to live apart from me.
That is all"
When was this decision reached"
But yesterday. Soon after she came
in from her walk with you"
"Do-do you mean to imply that
that mad anything to do with her leav-
ing your homer" he demanded. with
a flush on his cheek
She met his look without ninching.
1t was the beginning"
fou-you criticised her? You took
her to task"
notified her that she was to marry
Leslie Wrandall If she marries apyone
at ALL she said in a perfectly level
tone.
Good Lord, Mrs. Wrandalll"
lie."
know it knew 1t yesterday" he
cried triumphantly. She loves me.
Sara. Didn't she say as much to
your"
Yes. Brandon. she loves you. But
she will not be your wife"
What is all this mystery? Why
can't she be my wife? What is there
to PREVENT"
She regarded him with dark. inscru.
table eyes. Many seconds passed be-
fore she spoke.
would you want her for your wife
II you knew she had belonged to an.
other mani"
lie turned very cold. The paIms of
MS hands were wet, as with ice-water
something dark seemed to fit befora
his eyes.
1 will not believe that of her" ba
said, shaking his head with an air NJ
1nality.
mat Is not an answer to nv oues-
ton" ny 4ue'-
res, | would still want her" ba
declared steadily.
merely meant to put Won IN tba
narSnest test she said. and there was
relief in her voice. she is a good
GIRL she is pure. / asked my questio..
because until yesterday | had reason
to doubt her."
GOOD heavens. how could you doubt
'nose honest, guiltless eyes Of"
She shook her head sadly. "To an.
swer you l would have to reveal the
secret that makes 1t impossible for