Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-02-25
CHAPTER XIV.
Surprised.

*a14@ NA5 b01 give BtGk ths HAFpfbBS
be- feigned, As Mrs. Collins went oat
he looked at Jane In a startled sort Of
way and she advanced to him.
You hsard?" she said
"Of course | heard"
Well what about its~ she asked.
deAantly.
You take my question out Of my
mouth, Jane, That Is what vas won
dering, What about IT."
Her eyes flashed Again she was
very beautiful and again there ap-
peared that queenty bearing that be
spoke dominant spirit and made her
words superftuous.
Dick" she said. you and have
been good friends. hope that We
shall remain 80. But this In my affair
This isn't the first time that Brand
has been here"
II met him once"
but / mean since then, He's been
here several times.'
Il know that, too" the reporter an.
swered calmly. "But I'm sorry he's
coming today"
Sorry? Why should you be sorry?
You have some perverted Idea Of why
he comes-and what he's doing. Why
don't you express it?''
Il haven't qualified as a moral cen.
sor as yet, Jane. You say have some
idea of why Brand Is coming. Yes,
have an idea. but . have no knowl
edge tell you | have known that
he has been coming and without Bob's
knowledge" He stepped forward and
took her hand. Jane, I've been~-well
not extremely happy. but haven't
inflicted my grief on you or anybody
else"
Certainly not" shs answered as
gressively. There's no reason why
you should, Mr. brand has Az much
right to he here as YOU or anyone
else"
He dropped her hand and smiled a
little sadly as be answered:
I'm afraid that In a little unworthy
OF you. am here at the standing In"
vitation OF the Reynolds; not lately re-
newed ON your part. to be sure, but
quite recently on Bobs. That's why
INA sorry: sorry for him and you and
perhaps for your prospective guest
Though don't believe" hs added
quickly. II shall shed any great guam
tity OF tears on his account, Bob's
>omlng home early. That's Why I'm
at three O'Clock"
He took out his watch
IT'S a quarter past three now" hs
said. what time are we likely to
have the pleasure Of Mr.. Brands com
Dany?"
Amy minute" Jane answered cooiiy.
HE should be here now" She cast
bored look of ascetic elegance ut
Dick. as II TO say: rs there any rea-
son why he shouldn't be my guest II
| choose 10 havs him." But tbs
glance was lost Oh Dick, or he pre-.
gerred to ignore H. He dropped hls
sapient air for an expression OF real
alarm. fmpulsiveIy he took her hand
again. She made a. IL to withdraw H.
but the reporters grasp vas firm.
janet" he exclaimed. Bob mustn't
see Brand here. am not questioning
you or your motives, but know Bob's
feelings toward that man and | know
that Brand can't be here with his
knowledge" He turned quickly toward
the table for his hat. ''l'ti get out and
stop him." he said. Tell Bch was
here IL he comes first. He might sea
me III say was down 10 the Ger
mans"
The reporters mtnd worked rapidly
lie started hurrisdty to the door.
watt" Jane ordered. You'll do
nothing OF the sort. I'll attend to- thia
thing myself. Mr.. Brand wouldn't
pay any attention to you tn the first
place and In the second l don't want
10 stop his coming here. Bob has cot
to know sooner or later and II might
as well be today Whatever yen maj
think, I've daaa nothing that rw
ashamed Of"
rTO Ew COSTrNUEp)