The Spectator., 1915-06-08
THE TERRIBLE ORDEAL
By VICTOR RADCLIFFE.

dollars ahead" Rolfe told Eunice. Then I will come back and start a small business with that capital and we will settle down modestly, but happily"
 Then he had folded her in his fond, sheltering arms and they had repeat ed for the thousandth time their mu- tual vows of unalterable fidelity.
 And now at the end of a years exile, Rolfe regarded his cherished savings, every dollar of which had been wrought out through his fidelity and devotion to Eunice,
 One thing troubled him somewhat! About a month previous he had re- ceived letter from Eunice, which indicated that events had transpired at the quiet home village that had brought a new and animated interest into her quiet life.
 She wrote that former partner of her father in a northern iron mine that had turned out disappointment had appeared. He had become wealthy, and this MT. Grant in the goodness of his heart had sought out his old business associate.
 Nothing will do, Mir Grant in- sists," wrote Eunice, but that we must take a trip with him and enjoy life outside of the humdrum one we lead here. He has been very liberal to father and made him accept two thousand dollars, which he says is really due him from the sale of the old mine may be away for a month with father, but will write you every week."
 Which Eunice had not done. and because of this Rolfe felt somewhat disappointed and depressed.
 "I will be glad when this flare is over," meditated Rolfe. Soon Eunice will be back home. Then for the quiet. loving letters from the darling of my heart once more!"
 Two evenings later there came a shock to Rolfe Maitland that rooted him to the spot where the unexpect- ed demonstration occurred He had been viewing the city boulevard crowds in casual stroll-the gay automobile parties, the finely dressed ladies. the young sparks of society. out for excitement and enjoyment. He did not envy them. for to his hon. est heart Eunice and little home filled the cup of happiness.
 A splendid machine flashed by. Tn it's rear seat sat man of perhaps fifty. but made up to look much younger. He was faultlessly dressed. And beside him was
 "Eunice,"
 The word burst unrestrainedly from the lips of the marveling Rolfe. She was radiantly attired. she was smil- ing at her companion in the machine as though exhilarated with her super ficial surroundings and in complete harmony with the pride and folly of her new experience.
 The next morning, glancing over a newspaper page, he read with bated breath and blanched face the an- nouncement that Gerald Grant. son VI tuC WCoitHy HUI hlue, NOUcTL Grant, was to wed Miss Copley.
 Then it had been brought about through the influence of this Grant! Eunice was false. the very earth seemed to fade away from him. At once Rolfe resigned his position. He was stricken. crushed. Hope and energy died out. He wandered the streets aimlessly. He passed three days as one in a dream. Then. wan. he took the train for Compton.
 When he arrived ct his native viii lage he evaded its principal streets and its inhabitants. By roundabout course he reached the little cemetery where his mother lay. It was at her grave that he finally knelt. He prayed, he agonized.
 In the dim dusk he arose. The swish of garment across the moonlit grass caused him to turn.
 "Rolfe! oh. Rolfe!" cried a long, ing voice. and flying towards him was precious Eunice!
 The silken gown, the gay gewgaws of fashion were gone. It was Eunice in her old modest home attire-sim- pie. lovely. and loving and glad.
 He was dumbed at the unexpected She led him to a grassy mound. She piled him with ques- tions. Why had he never answered her letters? And then his heart light ened, for the truth came out at last.
 Yes. she and her father had gone with Robert Grant He had shown them great civilities. Then he had introduced his son. The one aim of his life seemed to be to see those two 
 And we have learned why" ex. plained Eunice now. Tt seems that father is rightfully half owner of all | his wealth. for 1t came through ma. nipulation of the old mine interests. | We have been home two days and | some lawyers are Investigating the | case. As to Gerald Grant. l saw him | once; a reckless profiigate. as is his