Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1914-08-14

almost too good to be true. Recon
ciled! You mean she understand
that L"
"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 sbe?"
Yes, sir" Now Rankin once more
h~esItated. "In the form, sir, of-er-
another announcement"
This nearly stunned his master.
you mean she's engaged to nomeone
else?"
Eyes, 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 balances turned
into a 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 a
dream, or anything like that? She
isn't trying to trap me?"
mo, sir. May l ask her to come in?
She's just behind the hedge"
Did Bob see herr"
mo; 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. II 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 1t better not to 60 back to
the house. Even II the lady was quite
reconciled there still might be some
details of her conversation which he
would not are to have heard by the
girls-especially 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 your"
Eyes. Mrs. Gerard; Rankin has told
me-"
She really seemed very much upset,
but not belligerently so. ia 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 a very
good one-my engagement to the earl
Of Cortland"
He bowed, too puzzled 70 ind any
words.
After a few hours talk with Ran
kin / became convinced that a mar
riage 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. 1--WE played fair with you
Jackson; now I want you to do the
same by me-"
I'll do anything you ask" he fer
vently assured her. Anything with
In reason, Mrs. Gerard.
"All I ask Is that you keep my
secret"
81 will. What is IT."
you really don't known
mo, Mrs. Gerard"
After another tiny hesitation sht
held out her hand to Rankin. May
present the earl of Cortland?" sh'
said, leading the abashed butler for
ward.
What" Broadway was astonishet
almost to the point Of physical col
lapse.
Its true" she went on gravely
We've had a thorough understanding
and Rankin has agreed to become al
earl"
Again Broadway's surprise was al
most more than he could quietly sup
port.
"Oh, don't be astonished! It's m.
only protection. Have l your solemn
promise that you'll not divulge the sc
cret?"
II give you my word Of honor" h
said fervently.
Every we'll. Goodby!"
He earnestly shook hands with hel
"Goodby. Mrs. Gerard. l hope 20
will be very happy"
1T isn't a question of happiness
Jackson" she said slowly, and in
way that somewhat worried him. ="
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, Raj
kin"
Jackson pulled him to one side, a
:. most Indignantly. "See here, Rankin
do you mean to tell me that you'd d
: such a e contemplate thing q
to marry a woman deliberately for he
money!"
Yes, sir" said Rankin very gravel,
and thank you. sir, for the opport,
r uity."
Come, %earlie," Mrs. Gerard Gale
softly.
Yes, Beatrice" He dropued II