The state herald., 1917-04-06

II saw him murdered and you told
me 1t was delirium. Why"
you admitted 1t yourself when you
received his letters and kilograms"
Royce answered hastily.
"But ! don't believe that now. And
I don't believe that you do either"
Royce WINGED at this.
ut was too much Of coincidence"
continued Gloria. II am not child
any longer, Stephen. and though this
tragedy has nearly unbalanced my
mind. am still able to think and rea-
son. Why, II this had happened lit
tie later would have been his wife"
Her lips trembled like hurt childs
and Royce turned his head away in
pity.
IF I were his wife I should not sit
idly by and let the demon who took
his precious life 60 scot free. should II
Should I, Stephen!"
Royce was silent. Gloria went on:
II am going to act as though were
his widow in reality, as am In heart.
shall 60 to the police" Royce start
ed. sand tell them everything. VIII
you help mer
II will do anything can. Gloria, but
FIRST we must consult your father"
Doctor Royce was dumbfounded at
the new Gloria he had to face, and to
save from monsters she knew nothing
of-the juggernauts Of scandal and
publicity. He determined to confer
with Mr.. Stafford at once, and descend
ed the stairs to find Pierpont in his
library.
Royce told Mr.. Stafford things which
amazed and Mortified him, and when
he had finished he said: II did not
want you to know any Of this as long
as I could keep 1t from you. Mr.. Stat
ford. There seemed to be nothing for
you to do and felt that you had
enough on your shoulders rs It was. i
do not know II = acted wisely In keep
Ing you in the dark so long. but now
that Gloria wants to go to the police
with the matter ! had to tell you 20
that we could keep her from II and
save an investigation that would ruin
your sons wife md bring horrible mo-
toriety to our innocent Gloria. Who
ever It was that killed Freneau. he
must have had his reasons. He has
made good his escape. Incidentally he
has saved Gloria from marrying q
scoundrel. could almost thank him
for that. But we must never let Gloria
know Freneau's unworthiness: Il
would leave too deep a scar on her
fresh young heart. ruin all her ideals
and kill her faith in humanity"
Stafford gave Royce his hand. "How
right you are. Stephen. You are a
great and noble friend to her and TO
my children. Gloria will get over her
lovers death. She would never re-
cover from the knowledge Of his
trenchcry. Yes, we must save her from
that. May God help me to save David,
too"
After Royce had left her Gloria went
to her dressing room. Her maid and
the nurse were unpacking q large box.
They tried to conceal Il ~ she came In,
but she commanded them to give II to
her. II was her wedding gown.
Clasping the soft shining robe to her
heart with little cry. she motioned
them TO leave her alone with II, Then
she sank to the floor. clutching II In
her arms. She pressed her lips TO the
satin folds and cuddlcd Its bcnuty to
her cheek. As she fondled the precious
lace In her fingers. she visioncd her.
self In the gown. She was standing nj
the altar with Frcneau by her side;
all the friends Of her world were Sit
ting In their pews behind her. To her
rapt cars came the organ music swell.
Ing into the wedding march. us with
her hend erect and her heart high she
came back up the aisle on her hus.
bands arms.
Tho drenm crumblcd and the giri
woke to the truth with nothing left OF
her dream but the gown In her arms.
She kissed II rcvcrently. md laid Il
away In Its box. ns In n coffin. Then her
tcnrs vanished and her eyes hardened
with resolution. She went down 10 tho
librnry. where she found her father
pncing the floor In deep meditation.
Gloria rnp TO him and put her arms
about his neck.
daddy" she spoke dctcrmincdiy.
"Hnvc you notified the police YETI"
Picrpont wns fully prepared for this.
He shook his head.
"why not, fnthcri You must, or
will, ut once"
"0lorin. We cnn't.tcli the police any.
thing. II they learned TINT you were
engaged 10 Frcncau. the house would
be bcsicgcd by detectives and report.
crs. What evidence have your Moth.
Ing but the Imagination Of dclirious
girl. II you told them Of your do
lirtum you would only stir up a scan.
dal. II would have no value In court" !"
Gloria stirred At him ncrcdulousiy,
but ho went on vividiy to convince her.
I'VE should BE- laid opsn TO enormous