The Washington herald., 1916-06-11

down the nre-escape.
Marjorie had made az though to fol-
low the fugitive into the corridor. But
Henry barred her way
mo-" he said, imperattvely. TT Is
his only chance. If he Is taught the
fear of the law and the fate that pur-
sues criminals It will be lesson he
will never forget. The police will find
him quickly enough and bring him back. .
But I-but u
Don't cry, my dear" he said sooth-
ingly. "and keep your head. Your father
is not going to prosecute him. He has
promised me that. But we both agree
that the fright will save him and make
an honest man of him again. He is in
no danger. Oh. how did you ever come
to do so mad thing as to marry secret
ly?"
"He-he was so unhappy" faltered the
girl, between her sobs. He needed me
so! Everyone else was against him.
Henry, he can't be guilty"
II would give my life to believe that"
groaned Henry. And ! tried to believe
it-even against overwhelming evidence
till I saw his face Just now when I ac-
cused him. You saw"
Yes" she shuddered. IT saw. And
I'll remember it as long as live. Oh,
it was horrible Horrible! An the evil
dence is so mercilessly convincing.
Besides, flight is confession, they say.
What am to do?''
Say nothing about your marriage.
until"
But it's too late! On the way from
the ONCE of the justice of the peace /
scribbled a note, telling father. I left
1t at the house to be delivered TO him as
soon as he got home. I didn't want to
tell him face to face, for fear he"
Good Lord! It's all up, then! What
did you say in the note? Can you re-
member
'I wrote: I have Just been married TO
the man love. Forgive me-" II was q
silly little scrap of a note. But
You didn't say it was Hugh you had
married?"
NO There was no need. Father would
know. Mrs. Hardy said TO him only this
morning"
They were interrupted by the violent
opening Of the door leading from the
corridor. Acros the threshold. into the
outer office, hurried a tall. middle-a ged
woman OF strikingly handsome ap-
pearance. In one hand she clutched an
open letter.
Where is Mr.. Turnbun?" she de-
manded loudly
Hardy?" evaded Sctt, slancing at the
letter she held so tightly.
Private business snapped the house
keeper Il must see him right away"
I'm afraid you can't" objected Scott.
He is busy. And"
The door of the private office was
opened and rurnbull came out.
II heard someone asking for me" he
began. ''what-Oh. it's you, Mrs. Hardy
What is the natter
Matter enough she shrilled. This
MI 81 OF ~ 7 recognized
Miss TurnbulIs handwriting on the en-
velope; and I thought perhaps 1t was
some message I could tell you over the
telephone. So I opened it
Marjorie made a futile and belated ef-
fort to snatch the luckless note. But IL
was already in her fathers hands. Turn
bull read it with unbelief and dismay
stamped deep on his wrinkled face.
I told you it was Hugh Scott she
cared for" Mrs Hardy exclaimed. You
see"
Turnbull checked her with sharp ges-
ture; then turned with a glance OF cold
fury upon Marjorie. The girl. pale but
unninching. drew herself up to meet his
gaze.
You have disgraced yourself and me-
thundered Turnbull. by marrying a
thief, He is a fugitive from justice. Go
and join him. I'm done with you"'
'Father!
Co he commanded. GO to the thief
you've married You took him for better
or for worse 1t is worse Clear OUT
Pardon me. Mr.. Turnbull." intervened
Henry. stepping forward, and putting one
arm about the haIf-fainting girl as he
faced her father. This is
This is no affair of yours ragged
Turn5ull Keep out of it!'
NO affair of mine?' said Henry quiz
zically. NO affair OF mine when you
threaten to turn my wife out of your
house? Where Marjorie goes, 60 I
had hoped you would take the news Of
our marriage less angrily."
Turnbulrs jaw dropped in smazement.
He tried to speak But words would not
come, Mrs Hardy gaped at Scott. Mar
jorie started violently and would have
cried out wild denial but Henry placed
his hand gently across her lips and said
No dear. Let me do the talking. Mr..
Turnbull. your daughter is my wife. We
married WITHOUT letting you know be-
cause we knew that you were terribly
overworked and overworr!ed here at the
office just now, and we wanted to spare
you the trouble and the time that would
have been needed for wedding prepara-
tions. Since you disapprove Of the match
all we can do is to take ourselves off.
His arm still about Marjorie, he turned
to leave the room. AS he led the bewil-
dered girl with him, he whispered
quickly:
1T is the only possible way to save you.
Keep up the pretense. You can divorce
me in another State later on-1'n never
force my love upon you -
Before they could reach the door. Turn
bull had rallied from his trance of be-
wilderment With joyous cry. he fairly
flung himself upon them. shaking Henry s
hand with effusive delight: kissing Mar
jorie again and again: vowing that this
was the happiest day in all his whole
long life.
He overwhelmed the wretohedly un'
happy couple with congratulations at one
breath playfully rebuking Henry for de-
ceiving him, at the next, pleading Mar
jorie's forgiveness for having dared
to suppose she would be such a little
idiot as to marry Hugh.
And now interrupted Henry, when
he could make himself heard, Il am
going to Syracuse on that Sanders loan.
l got a telegram about il ten minutes
ago. I'll be back as soon as I can. l
leave Marjorie in you care, sir
Going to leave your wife on-on your
wedding day" stammered the astonished
man.
Business can't wait" said Henry,
briefly. Happiness can. Goodbye.
I've just time to catch my train"