Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-11-16

situation in which she had unwittfngIy
placed herself. To be tied for life to
a man who did not love her-who
seemed an absolute brute-that was
worse, a thousand times, than any
mere financial difficulties.
Streetman did not at once reply to
her. For a few moments he regarded
her balefuIly, as if she were already
a hateful thing in his eyes.
i wonder, my dear" he said at last.
4 wonder if today it is only that
count with you or if you have-memo-
rfes. We shall see."
mo, no, Henry she protested.
"l'm-pm very fond of YOU" she said
brokenly.
"Food?" The smile that he gave
her was nothing if not cruel Come.
then! Kiss me?' And he attempted
to embrace her. But she pushed him
away from her.
mol All that is over. Not until we
can let people know This secrecy
makes me feel as if ( were not your
wife. What Georgy said is enough to
make me believe, almost, that it has
all been just some horrible intrigue"
Nonsense; nonsenser' he scoffed.
eff l promise you now that next week
we make our marriage public, will
you believe me?"
yes, Henry! 1 VIII" she said in q
voice in which there rang renewed
hope.
He stepped quickly to her side again.
Henry Streetman was not the sort of
man to miss any opportunity that Of
fered
But to do that" he Stipulated, 81
must secure for France this mforma-
ton concerning the feet. That will
mean promotion for me-mpney-
much money! And with that I need
no longer wait on my family. You
understands" he asked her.
Yes, Henry! I dor
Good! That's settled. And you
will take the first opportunity to speak
to Sir George?" He was filed with
elation at the happy turn Of affairs.
But he was doomed TO quick disap-
pointment. You wflI?' he persisted.
"Nor'
"What?" he exclaimed, scarcely be-
Heving bis ears.
Il understand that for some reason
you are trying to bride me with these
promises of yours to betray Sir
Georges confidence. But I'm sick Of
this deception. I won't do it any
longer; and you oughtn't to ask it Of
me-"
"Indeed!' he said, with a vicious
show Of scorn. 'And if it should hap
pen to come to Sir George anonymous
lyle stressed the word-''that you
had already betrayed his confidence
what would your position be here?"
He watched her narrowly, to see what
effect his threat might have upon her.
you wouldn't do that?" she ex-
claimed, as a sudden fear gripped her
All at once it struck Ethel that her
position had indeed become desperate.
She had not dreamed that she would
find herself in such an impasse-and
at the hands of her husband, of all
people.
81 should not Ike to do it." Street
man replied. But I intend to learn
l shall learn-about the feet tonight:
and through your he declared, with
undisguised determination
She turned upon him like some
hunted wild thing then, ready to fight
desperately in one last, mad effort
ooh! So that's what your love, your
affection, amounts to, is it?'
''Put it any way you choose" was
his calIous answer. But I must have
this information. Come! What
do you say?"
''What is there for me to say?"
''ExactIyr' he retorted. 81 am glad
to see that at last you appreciate the
situation" They both started then at
the sound Of voices. 1T is Sir George
Streetman said. 81 shall leave pres
emily. But I shall some back in an
hour And you will have found
out about the feet?"
Ethel wrung her hands in agony.
"Ohl I suppose sop' she replied.
But it makes me hate myself-and
your
Really? What pityr' he said with
mock sympathy.