The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1916-02-11

AoA Il lloAAVlll - IbASSlNSs
:. light of happiness on her face and
a sweet sense of peace and rest in
her soul. That moment was the dia-
mond of bliss that studded all the
years Of her life. But it was only for
brief instant. then she remembered.
She drew her hands from his, not
roughly, not angrily, but with a firm
ness that made him understand and
respect her wishes. He let her 90, and
she stood a little away from him, her
face flushed, her head bent and her
form shrinking. They stood for a little
while, both of them silent; then she,
clasping her hands together, said in
low. hurt tones:
"Ol, why did you do that? 1t is
wrong-wickedly wrong.'
There was no anger in her voice;
nothing but sadness.
"F"rgive me-" he said humbly and
contritely. 81 was mad. l could not
help it. forgot"
He paused, but she made no reply.
After a ome he added:
II was weak, and | have controlled
my feelings so long. Can't you find it
III your heart to- forgive me? Please
say you an. l am SO sorry. Won't
you forgive me"
In a voice scarcely more than a whis-
per she said:
YES"
And you won't despise me, will
YOU" he questioned eagerly.
NO." she answered softly.
II couldn't help it," he repeated.
You are so good, SO noble, SO pure"
She fingered an instant, then turned
slowly away. In low tones she MUIR
INJURED:
II had better go in"
He stood silent, watching her, until
she had taken a few steps; then he
hurried after her. When he came up
to her he said:
IF you think it best l will go
away"
She shuddered and looked up at him,
her face pale and a mistful expression
in her eyes. But she was silent.
Shall l go:" he asked.
She shook her head slowly. He did
not understand her.
went on. II will 20 If you wish it.
Shall ~
She gave M quick glance up into
his face, then dropped her head again.
no. stay" she said softly.
She walked on to the house, and he
stood watching her until she passed
inside. Then with a sigh he turned
back toward the barn to feed the
horses. The next momen he turned
cold all over and trcmbled from head
to foot.
When he had turned around he
found himself face to face with George
Stevens.
George had just stepped from be-
hind the corner of the barn near
which Ross and Minerva had been
standing. How long he had been
there and how much he had heard and
seen only himself knew There was
nothing in his looks or actions. how.
ever. to hctray that he had seen OF
heard anything. Still, Ross had his
doubts and watched him uneasily
Presently George said:
You dom up the feedin' agin, Mr.
Stone:"
II was just going to begin" Ross
replied.
"Humph! Lowed you or Nervy one
nd have it all done by this time
Reckon YOU must a-got in from schoo
sorter late?"
eyes. a little later than usual
"S'pose so. Wonder what 'Nervy's
Leen a-dooin' that she amt had tho
feedin' an milkin' done?"
Ross felt uneasy, but he answered
calmly enough:
II don't know. I'm sure. Perhaps
she has been busy in the house."
George looked at Ross cn%riously FOL
ar instant. then said quietly:
"Mebhy she has"
Ross did not like hat look nor thu
tones IN which George spoke. He fel
assured that there was Il hidden mean
ing behind them. and that sooner O.
later there would be more to follow.
George went on with the work ant
Ross sauntercG slowly up to the house
He realized more fully thar cver nov
thai he was in a dangerous situation
Added to what old Jake Martin hat
told him was the prospect of reveng'
by a wrongcd husband.
He did not see George or Minerv:
any more until supper, and all the tim,
he was waiting he was dreading tn,
meeting that must inevitably talk,
place then. 1t had occurred to hin
us more than likely THAI if George di'
know the truth he was only waiting t
have the two culprits together befor
he showed his resentment and sougll
revenge.
However. when they met at the SUI
per table George. though he eyed hi
wife and Ross curiously. said nothin
to show that he was aware of thei
conduct. Instead he was more frient
ly than usual and more voluble an
communicative