The state herald., 1915-10-29
'%*%>~%~ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS *~sees*scese.se~~I6l
ANNA KATHARINE GREEN

~ Dodd, Mead & Company

with one of his sour smiles directed to-
wards the former, he said:
II wouldn't be talking about this,
sergeant. 1t will do no good. and may
subject us to ridicule."
The sergeant. none too well pleased,
nodded slightly. Seeing which, she
spoke up:
Il don't know about that, should
think 1t but proper reparation to the
dead to let 1t be known that his own
story of innocence has received this
late confirmation"
But the lawyer continued to shake
his head, with very sharp look at the
| sergeant. If he could have his way
he would have this matter stop just
where 1t was.
This is my daughter. Judge Os-
trander: Reuther. this is the Judge"
The introduction took place at the
outer gates whittier the judge had
gone to receive them.
Reuther threw aside her veil and
looked up into the face bent courte-
ously towards her. 1t had no look of
Oliver. They were fine eyes notwith.
standing, piercing by nature, but Just
now misty with a feeling that took
away all her fear He was going to
like her: she saw 1t in every trembling
line of his countenance, and at the
thought a smile rose to her lips.
With a courteous gesture he invited
them in, but stopping to lock one gate
before leading them through the 9th
er. Mrs. Scoville had time to observe
that since her last visit with its &C.
companying inroad of the populace,
the two openings which at this point
gave access to the walk between the
fences had been closed up with boards
so rude and dingy that they must have
come from some old lumber pile In at.
tic or cellar.
The Judge detected her looking at
them.
Il have cut of my nightly prom.
enade," said he. With youth in the
house. more cheerful habits must pre-
vail. Tomorrow shall have my lawn
cut, and II ! must walk after sundown
| will walk there"
The two wCmen exchanged glances.
Perhaps their gloomy anticipations
we're not going to be realized
But once within the house, the Judge
showed embarrassment
Il have few comforts to offer." said
he. opening door at his right and
then hastily closing II again This
part of the house is. as you see, com.
pletely dismantled and not-very
clean. But you shall have carte
blanche to arrange to your liking one
OF these rooms for your sitting room
and parlor. There is furniture In the
attic and you may buy freely what
ever else is necessary. | don't wan,
to discourage little Reuther As for
your bedrooms" lie stopped
hemmed little and flushed VIVID
red ms he pointed up the dingy flight
of uncarpeted stairs towards which he
led them. They are above; but It is
with shame | admit that | have no,
gone above this floor for many years
Consequently. I dent know how II
looks up there or whether you can
even find towels and things Have
counted too much Oh your good na
ture?"
NO; not at all. In fact, sou simply
arouse all the housekeeping Instincts
within me"
The Judge drew breath OF relief
and led Reuther towards a door at the
end of the hall.
This is the way to the dining room
and kitchen. he explained ~ hav.
been accustomed to having my meals
served In my own room, but after this
| shall Join you at table. Here" he
continued. leading her up to the Iron
door. lis the entrance to my den. You
may knock here II you want me. bu,
there is \ curtain beyond. which nc
one lifts but myself. You understand
my dear. and will excuse an old man !
eccentrlcitiesf'
She smiled. rejoicing only In the
earessing voice. and In the yearning
almost fatherly. manner with which
he surveyed her.
= quite understand" she said. and
80 will mother"
"Reuther." he now observed with n
strange int.rmiNture OF gentloness and
authority. there is one thing wish
10 say to you at the very start ! may
grow 10 love you-God knows that n
little affection would be welcome
change In my lIfe-bu, want you TO
know and know now. that all the love
In the world will not change my deci
sion ms to the improperly 60 n match
between YOU and my son oliver Tha,
settled, there Ia no reason WIZ ail
should not be clear between Us"
AN IN clear.
Faint and far on the words sounded
though nho was standing 10 near he
could have laid his hand on her ahoul
der. Then she gave one sob M though
l In pnyipy thl she heard the lnHt clod