The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1914-07-08

why didn't you send me some
word?"
Il can exlpain all that"
Girls, will you excuse us?" Broad
way asked, and as they nodded went
slowly down upon the lawn with Ran
kin toward a clump of cedars. II had
been planted in a circle, a favorite and
funereal form of lawn decoration in
those ATTITUDES, and in the solemn
space inclosed there was, he knew,
garden seat. Just a few moments"
Broadway pleaded as he went with
Rankin toward this deep seclusion.
Then I'll walk home with you"
"All right" Curiosity consumed
the maidens. All this seemed exceed
ingly exciting to them. But, after all,
they were not sorry for an opportunity
to talk alone for moment.
Broadway was very anxious, but
Rankin said no word until they we're
within the leafy chamber. Even after
they had reached its solitude Broad
way had to urge:
well, come on; what's the news"
Surprising news, SIR" Rankin an
swered hesitantly.
Broadway was all the more impa-
tient. We'll, tell me; tell me! What
did she say? How did you get rid of
her?'
Il didn't get rid of her, sir"
What? Where did you leave her
then?'
"I-didn't leave her, sir. I've been
with her ever since"
Where is she now" asked Broad
way timorously, his voice weakening.
She's here, SIR"
This was terrifically shocking. The
worst had come to pass then-those
fears which were SO bad that they
had been put aside as utterly unthink-
able. she came back with your"
There was look of horror on the face
of Jackson Jones.
Yes, SIR"
; His masters wrath rose. you idiot!
What did you let Der do that for?'
Rankin spoke slowly and reluctant
ly. She insisted that she must see
. YOU anu ldlh WIN you, SlI.
Now rose a soul in wild revolt. 81
won't see her! ! won't talk to her!"
But she's right outside the hedge,
sir. You must see her!"
Z"
"Oh, she's perfectly reconciled, sir;
believe me-"
Here was a shock as pleasant as
the other had been terrible. It was
almost too good to be true. Recon.
ciled! You mean she understands
that -
"Oh, yes, sir She's already sent
out a denial of her engagement to
you
His nearer could have rent the air
with shouts of JOY, but did not He
only asked namely: Has she?"
/ Yes, sir" Now Rankin once more
hesitated. I'm 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 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?"
No. 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
vct.d moi care 10 have heard by tbs
| eiIls-esrgc one OF the girls.
Almost Immediately Rankin re
turned with Mrs. Gerard, not only
walking By his side, but clingng L
his arm Her voice did not sounC
warliko as she greeted Broadway
How do you do. Jackson?" she sale
quietly.
How do you do, Mrs. Gerard?"
Has Rankin told you?"
Yes, Mrs. Gerard; Rankin has told
me-"
She really seemed very much upset
but not belligerently so. I'D neye
be happy if New York should imagine
I'd been Tilted or the subject of {
practical joke" she began simply IN.
excuse for throwing you over is a yer.
good one-my engagement to the ear
Of Cortland"
He bowed, too puzzled to find an,
words.
ftar a foW hnura' talk with Ran