Putnam patriot., 1914-03-20
CHAPTER TX.
A Bridegroom Spurned.


from headquarters. He didn't
put name to it, but I'm on"
1t was Carson speaking Mary regard.
ed him inquiringly, and he continued,
putting the fact with certain brutal
bluntness after the habit of his class.
Il guess you1l have to quit seeing
young Glider The bulls are wise. His
father bas made boiler"
Don't let that worry you. joe" she
said TRANQUILITY. She allowed few
seconds go by, then added as if quite
indifferent II was married to Dick Gil
der this morning" There came
squeal of amazement from Aggie, a
start of incredulity from Carson.
YES" Mary repeated evenly, Il was
married to him this morning. That
was my important engagement she
added with a smile toward Aggie.
Aggie sat erect. her baby face alive
with worldly glee.
"Oh. gee. what Iuekr' she exclaim-
ed noisily why, he's a king fish, he
is. Gee. but I'm glad you landed him"
"Thank you" Mary said with smile
that was the result of her sense of hui
NOR rather than from any tenderness.
It was then that Carson spoke He
put a question of vital significance.
DO you love him.
The question caught Mary all unpre-
pared, but she retained her self con-
troll sufficiently to make her answer in
"A voice that to the ordinary ear would
have revealed no least tremor.
NO" she said She offered no ex-
planation no excuse; merely stated the
fact in all its finality
Then you won't leave us?' Carson
asked We're going on as we We're
before?" The hint of detection in his
manner had vanished. And you won't
live with him."
Live with him?" Mary exclaimed
emphatically. Certainly notr'
Carson was still patient in his deter
mination to apprehend just what had
rome TO pass.
Does he understand the arrange
ment?" was his question.
mo. not yet" Mary admitted, with
out sign of embarrassment.
Carson was intently considering an
other phase of the situation. one sug-
gested perhaps out of his own deeper
sentiments
HE must think lot of you," he said
gravely. Don't hep
IL suppose So"
Carson spoke very softly, but with
an intensity that left no doubt as to
the honesty of his purpose.
I'D say throw up the whole game
and go to him. if you really care"
There fell a tense silence. 1t was
broken by Mary.
II married him to get even with his
father" she said That's all there is
to it. BY the way. | expect Dick will
be mere in minute or two. When he
comes just remember not to-enlighten
him."
4.Mr. Glider" Fannie announced.
"Any one with him?,
"No, Miss Turner" the maid an
swered
Have him come in" Mary ordered.
Carson made hasty excuses and |
went out on the heels of the maid. |
Aggie, however. consulting ouly her
own wishes in the matter, had no |
thought of fight. and, If the truth be |
told, Mary was glad of the sustaining |
presence of another woman. She got |
up slowly and stood silent. while Ag- |
gle regarded her curiously. moment |
later the bridegroom entered. He was |
still clean cut and wholesome. Some |
sons of wealthy fathers are not after |
four years experience of the white |
lights of town. And the lines of his |
face were firmer. better in every way. |
1t seemed. indeed. that here was some !
wasted on the trivial and gross things. |
He caught Mary IN his arms with |
Hello, dearr' smothered in the kiss he
implanted on her lips.
Mary sfrove vainly to free herself.
Don't. oh. don't!" she gasped
Dick released his wife and smiled |
the beatidc smile Of the newly wed.
why not?" he demanded. with a |
smile
.Agnesw II was the sole pretext to
which Mary could turn for a momen-
tary relief.
The bridegroom faced about and |
perceived Agnes. He made a formal |
Row and spoke quietly.
Il beg your pardon. Miss Lynch
but''-a smile OF perfect happiness
shone on his face-~you could hardly |
expect ME to see any one but Mary |
under tie circumstances. We were |
married this morning"
Aggie accepted the news with fitting |
excitement
Goodness gracious. How perfectly