The Carlisle independent., 1915-04-08

 pened to make you so bitter toward her." she went on, still watching him through half closed eyes. Was she unfaithful to you? Was"
 Good God, Yvonne" he cried, an angry light jumping into his eyes-the eyes that so recently had been ablaze with love.
 We must never speak of-of that again. he said, queer note of hoarse- ness in his voice Never, do you un- derstand?" He was very much shaken. Forgive me-" she pleaded, stretch | ing out her hand to him. T am fool ish, but did not dream that l was be- ing cruel or unkind. Perhaps, dear, | 1t is because 1 am-jealous. There is no one-nothing to be | jealous of" he said, passing hand over his moist brow. Then he drew nearer and took her hand in his. He lounged again on the arm of her chair. | She leaned back and sighed contented- 1 ly. the smile on her red lips growing sweeter with each breath that she took He felt the blood warming once more in his veins.
 For long time they sat thus, look ing into each others eyes without speaking He was trying to fathom the mystery that lurked at the bottom of those smiling wells; she, on the other hand, deluded herself with the 1 idea that she was reading his inner most thoughts.
 T have been considering the advis- ability of sending Frederic abroad for year or two" said he at last
 She started. She had been far from right in her reading. Now? This winter?''
 Yes. He has never been abroad"
 Indeed? And he is half European, too. It seem.-forgive me, James. Really. you know. I cannot always keep my thoughts from slipping out You shouldn't expect 1t dear"
 T suppose 1t is only natural that you should inquire" he said resignedly.
 "Of my servants" she added point edly.
 He flushed slightly. T dare say deserve the rebuke. It will not be necessary to pursue that line of in- quiry. however. I shall tell you the story myself some day, Yyonne. Will you not bear with me?"
 She met the earnest appeal in his eyes with slight frown of annoyance.
 Who Is to tell me the wifes side Of the story?"
 The question was like a blow to him. He stared at her as if he had not heard alright. Before he could speak, she went on coolly:
 T dare say there are two sides to it, James. It's usually the case"
 He winced There is but one side to this one," he said, harsh note in his voice.
 with Mrs. Desmond" she said enig- matically. But I sha'n't pursue them any farther. You love me; that is all I care to know-or that I require"
 q do love you" he said, almost im- ploringly.
 She stroked his gaunt cheek. Then we may let the other woman-go hang, eh?"
 He felt the cold sweat start on his brow. Her callous remark slashed his finer sensibilities like the thrust of a 1 dagger. He tried to laugh, but only succeeded in producing a painful gri- mace
 And now" she went on, as if the matter were fully disposed of, I've will discuss something tangible, eh? Fred eric"
 Yes" said he. rather dazedly. Frederic
 q am very, very fond of your son, James" she said How proud you must be to have such a son."
 He eyed her narrowly How much of the horrid story did she know! How much of 1t had John Desmond told to his wife?
 q am surprised at your liking him, Yvonne- He is what I'd call a difl- cult young man"
 T haven't found him difficult"
 Morbid and unresponsive."
 Not by nature. however. There Is a joyousness a light-heartedness in his character that nas never got be- yond the surface until now, James,"
 Until now?"
 Yes. And you talk Of sending him away. Why?"
 He has wanted to go abroad for years. This is a convenient time for him to go"
 But l am quite sure he will not care to go at present-not for awhile. at least"
 And why not, may I ask?
 Because he is in love"
 In love!" he exclaimed. his jaw set ting hard.
 He is in love with Lydia"
 ''I'll put stop to thatl'
 And why. may I ask?" she mimicked.
 Because-why@- he burst out, but 1 instantly collected himself. He is not in position to marry, that's all"
 Financially"
 He swallowed hard. Yes" |