The Bottineau courant. (Bottineau, Bottineau County, N.D.) 1895-1929, 1915-08-06

dismayed.
It was otherwise with Lucene. The
burden Of guilt drained her forces.
for the privilege Of open confession, Of
the whole truth concerning her past
life, to her husband. Such candor had
been the instinct of her innocence, and
that instinct was never slain, though
choked to silence by the specious
sophistries Of the Master Mind. He
succeeded, however, in convincing her
specifically that perfect frankness to
her husband would repel, would drive
the lover from her arms.
If Wainwright was the one most
happy in wholesome wise it was the
| Master Mind himself who found an
unholy happiness in the bizarre situa.
ton that he had contrived SO cunning
ly for the ultimate accomplishment OF
his revenge. Thus far in truth his
success had been unequivOcal. There
had been no failure anywhere in the
processes he had evolved for the con-
summation of his revenge against the
man he hated.
In the drawing room OF the VAIN
wright mansion Blount was pacing to
and fro somewhat nervously, brooding
over many things and wondering
nightly as to when he should be per-
mitted to return to the tranquil pleas
ures Of Laramie, Wyo., where he knew
not fear and where he was respected
Of all men. Mrs. Blount and Lucene
sat near each other by the windows,
looking out over the fast ~darkening
landscape. But presently Mrs. Blount
turned to her husband.
"My goodness, joint" she exclaimed
reproachfully. II do wish son-in-law
would hurry up. Why. I'm so horri-
bly, hungry I'm fading away to q
shadow"
Blount halted.
"You really hungry. mother?" he de.
manded.
Hungry, mother" she cried. well.
I guess yes! Why. l amt had a mouth
full since din-lunch. And l didn't
think much Of that II you ask me 90
there! Queer old soup!"
you had some fried smelts besides
the SOUP" the husband reminded her.
Lucene, also, turned toward the two
and smiled demurely.
And you had three lamb chops.
Dreaded"
"And some creamed potatoes" Blount
added.
Lucene nodded assent.
"Yes, and some fruit salad"
"And three pieces Of punkin pie"
auoth the husband.
"And a pot Of chocolate" declared
the mistress Of the house, laughing
outright.
"Dearie me-" Mrs. Blount said huff
fly, facing the young wife. "To hear
you talk anybody d think you be-
grudged me enough food to keep body
and skirt together"
Parker, whom Andrew had brought
on to the new establishment, appeared
with the announcement that dinner
was served.
Mrs. Blount bolted in the direction
Of the dining room. But the westerner
turned courteously to his hostess.
"Come ON, Lucene," he said kindly.
The distressed girl, however, refused
with a shake Of the head.
You 60, please" she directed. 81
prefer to wait for Cortland. He's in
the library talking politics with his
campaign secretary, but he must come
soon."
with Mr.. Marshall, eh? And does
he think he's going to be elected?'
Lucene forgot her trouble for a mo.
ment in her interest over the political
fortunes Of the man she loved, as
Blount had hoped she might.
He's not sure" she replied animal.
edly.
mistress Of the executive mansion
at Albany!' Blount said half banter.
ingly. "Hum! Pretty soft for you If
he pulls 1t of, eh, daughter"
Lucene laughed happily.
go to dinner" she repeated. II
think I'll go and hurry Cortland up"
Blount went his way obediently
since he saw that such was her pref,
erence. The dilatory husband made
his appearance to be greeted with an
exclamation of pleasure by his wife.
II was waiting for you, Cortland"
she said fondly. II couldn't bear the
idea of going in without you, for l was
worried. You must not work so hard.
You'll get sick"
"Nonsense" he answered gayly. I'm
as strong as an OK" He stopped and
raised her to his side, drew her close
and the lips Of the two met in a ten
der caress.
But even oxen get sick sometimes, l
suppose" Lucene said, with a pout.
Anyhow, we must 60 in to dinner.
You must have food for work, like the
beasts Of the field, you dear, big, silly
man." the wife said, with a huge con-
tent in her voice.
"Oh, you adorable, lovely little VIC
mani" he said af%fectionately.
OF a sudden he released her, put her
from him, to her hurt surprise. THAT