The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1914-06-20
CHAPTER XIV.
CROSSING the Channel.

| early hours OF the forenoon 10 nne
occupation for his interest until
seasonable time arrived for appearing
at Southlook. He was unable to &C
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 relishing the thought that
even SO he would be nearer to Hetty
than II he remained in his own door
yard.
Halfway there we was overtaken by
Sara's big French machine returning
from the village. The car came to a
standstill as he stepped aside to let
it 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 a mood for airy per-
siflage, 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. mo 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-
DALI" 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 had 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"
"You-you criticised her? You took
her to task"
81 notified her that she was to marry
Leslie Wrandall If she marries anyone
at ALL" she said in a perfectly level
tone.
Good Lord. Mrs. Wrandall!"
But she Is not going to marry Les
lie."
Il know 1T knew 1t yesterday" he
cried triumphantly. she loves me,
Sara. Didn't she say as much to
your"
Eyes. 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
IL you knew she had belonged to an
other MANI"
He turned very cold. The palms of
his hands were wet, as with ice-water.
Something dark seemed to fit before
his eyes.
81 will not believe that Of her" he
said. shaking his head with an air of
finality.
That is not an answer to my ques-
ton"
Yes, would still want her" he
declared steadily.
Il merely meant to put you to the
harshest test" she said, and there was
relief In her voice. "She Is a good
girl, she is pure. asked my question
because until yesterday / had reason
to doubt her"
Good heavens, how could you doubt
those honest, guiltless eyes Of"
She shook her head sadly. ITO an.
swer you | would have to reveal the
secret that makes it impossible for
her to become your wife. and that I
cannot, will not do"
rs 1t fair to me?"
Perhaps not, but 1t is fair to her
and that is why must remain silent /"
Before God, shall know the truth
from her, If not from you-and-"
IF you love her, If you will be kind
to her, you will let her 60 her way
In peace"
He was struck by the somewhat sin.
lister earnestness of her words.
Tell me where l may find her." he
said, setting his jaw.
1T will not be difficult for you In
find her." she said, frowning, IF you
insist on pursuing her"
you drive her away from your
house. Sara Wrandall, and yet you ex.
pect me to believe that your motives
are friendly. Why should l accept
your word as final?"
Il did not drive her away. nor did
/ ask her to stay"
He stared hard at her.
Good Lord, what, 10 the meaning
Of all this!" he cried in perplexity?
What am I to understand"
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