Middletown transcript., 1914-06-06

believe me"
Here was a shock as pleasant al
the other had been terrible 1t wal
almost too good to be true. Recon
ciled! You mean she understands
that T."
"oh. yes, sir. She's already sent
out denial of her engagement tC
you"
His hearer could have rent the ali
with shouts of Joy, but did not He
only asked namely: HAS she?"
Yes, sir" Now Rankin once more
hesitated. "Tn 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 to be entirely smooth
and joyous after all, instead of only
partly merry, with the balance turned
into a tragedy by his ancient Sweet
heart, dearie?" THE earl Of Cort-
land!" he exclaimed.
yes, sir; will you see her, sir? l
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"
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 If the lady was quite
reconciled there still might be some
details of her conversation which he
would not care to have heard by the
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. 'Td 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 very
good one-my engagement to the earl
of Cortland"
He bowed, too puzzled to find any
words
After a few hours talk with Ran
kin became convinced that a mar
riage between you and me never would
have been 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. I've played fair with you,
Jackson; now 1 want you to do the
same by me-"
''T'n do anything you ask" he fer
vently assured her. Anything with
in reason, Mrs. Gerard.
"All I ask is that you keep my
secret"
Il 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.
TITS true" she went on gravely. |
We've had a thorough understanding,
and Rankin has agreed to become an
earl"
Again Broadway's surprise was al
most more than he could quietly sup
port.
"oh. don't be astonished! It's my
only protection. Have I your solemn
promise that you'll not divulge the Sc
cret?"
81 give you my word of honor" he
said fervently.
Very well. Goodby!"
He earnestly shook hands with her.
"Goodby. Mrs. Gerard. 1 hope you
will be very happy"
TT isn't a question Of happiness,
Jackson" she said slowly, and in a
way that somewhat worried him. "T
simply don't want to be humiliated.
You understand"
Yes; l 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
Yes, sir." said Rankin very graveIy,
and thank you, sir, for the opportu-
nifty"
Come, earlie." Mrs. Gerard called
softly.
Yes, Beatrice" He dropped the
hand Of his erstwhile employer and
look the arm of his afianced wife.
we have Just six minutes beforA