The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-09-08

without doing you the honor OF asking
you To marry him" In his words
there was as he intended there should
be, taunt that implied more than
he actually said.
"No, no." Ethel cried. at isn't
true. 1t was just a firtation-a few
dances-a theater or two.'
"Oh! That was allv' he retorted
"And yet they told me you had known
him all your life"
~ don't know whom you're talking
about" sue said In desperation.
Nor do l." he reJoined. 1T was
some man I'm the army-a captain.
think. do not know his name; but
I shall find 1t out. and then perhaps
I shall learn II you cared for me Mt
all or II il was just that caught you
ON the rebound"
"What do you mean" She faced
him tensely. Such scenes were new
to her. Trouble. OF a sort, she had
known. But never anything like this
1t had been hard enough to see her
resources dwindling steadily, without
the means of replenishing them, and
with actual perjury staring her in the
| face. But now Ethel knew that that
was as nothing compared with the
| situation in which she had unwittingly
placed herself To be tied for life To
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 balefully, as if she We're already
hateful thing in his eyes
81 wonder, my dear" he said at last,
"I wonder if today it is only that
count with you or if you have-memo-
ries. We shall see."
mo, no. Henry she protested.
"I'm-I'm very fond of YOU" she said
brokenly.
"Fond?' 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.
|
can let people know. This secrecy
makes me feel as il / were not your
wife What Georgy said is enough to
make me believe. almost. that it has
all been just some horrible intrigue"
Nonsense: NONSENSE he scoffed.
IF l promise you now that next week
we make our marriage public, will
you believe me?'
Yes, Henry. | will" she said in a
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, Il
must secure for France this informa-
ton concerning the fleet That will
mean promotion for me-money-
much money. And with that | need
no longer wait on my family. You
understand" he asked her.
Yes, Henry l do.'
Good. That's settled. And you
will take the first opportunity to speak
to Sir George" He was filled with
elation at the happy turn of affairs.
But he was doomed to quick disap-
pointment. You will?" he persisted.
Mo-
WHAT" he exclaimed, scarcely be-
lieving his 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. | won't do it any
longer; and you oughtn't to ask 1t Of
me-"
Indeed" he said. with 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 ut 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.
Il should not like to do it." Street
man replied. "But / intend to learn
| shall learn-about the feet tonight:
and through you" he declared, with
undisguised determination.
She turned upon him like some
hunted wild thing then, ready to fight
desperately I'm 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 callous answer But / must have
this information. Come! What
do you sayY'
"What is there for me to say"
Exactly" he retorted. 81 am glad
TO see that at last you appreciate the
situation" They both started then ut
the sound OF voices. at Is Sir George"
Streetman said. II shall leave pres