Williams news., 1917-05-10

the Indian warrior of his generation, with gratitude and stern joy.
 The sun had set, and the twilight was already fading. By the time Ma rie's slow step brought her up to the terrace, the valley and mountain slope were dusky with the shadow of ap- preaching nightfall. Within the cabin Dupont had lit one of the mine candles. The candlestick was an empty whisky bottle. Another bottle, not yet empty, stood on the rough deal table between the two men.
 Hello, grille '" sang out Vandervyn, as Marie paused in the open doorway. He sprang up to come around the table to her. i've been languishing for you all afternoon. Would've chased down the hill, only your dad said you'd get on your ear if did"
 "Yes," quietly replied the girl. She had raised her hand to shield her face from the candle, as if the light dazzled her. As she spoke, she stepped in and along the side of the table oppo- site him, apparently not seeing him. "Yes, would not have cared to see you. I was nursing one of the girls down in the camp"
 Vandervyn stopped short. '1t wasn't anything infectious, I hope"
 "No. I shall not suffer from the same trouble. But I am very tired. see you and Pere have eaten. You might finish the bottle outside"
 "How about a kiss to sweeten the toddy?" he suggested.
 She burst into a tantalizing little laugh. q fear you must take yours straight for while, Reggie. You are still engaged to your cousin, I be- lieve- Good night, Pere."
 Dupont, heavy with food and liquor, mumbled a response. and stumbled out into the dusk, reluctantly followed by Vandervyn. Marie flung their blan- kets out after them and barred the door.
 In the morning Vandervyn was re- lieved to find that the nights rest had frightened her mood. She cooked a delicious little breakfast, and was pleased to be very gracious to him. The anxiety with which he had met her at the cabin door soon vanished. He fell into the gallantry of an ac- cepted suitor who is very much in love and a bit uncertain of his con- quest.
 He waited until Dupont went to fetch the horses before he ventured to reopen the question of questions {: Sweetheart, you've had time to think it over and decide. Tell me, when is to be the happy day?
 "Yes," she murmured, T have thought it over."
 "YOu will name an early date! !' he exclaimed, assured by the coy sweet ness of her look.
 Her smile faded, and she dropped forward in an attitude of humility that he had never before seen her pride permit. She replied in meek voice l: "Oh, no, mol I must do what is just by you. Think what it would be like for you to take back with you as your wife quarterbreed girl straight off an Indian reservation"
 vandervyn winced, rallied, and re- joined with ardor: Let them think what they please, so long as you are my wife"
 "That is most gallant and-brave of you!" she murmured. 'But-there is also Pere."
 Vandervyn bit his lip. "Need he come along?"
 Marie looked up, her eyes full Of ten der reproach.
 q did not think that of you, Reggie. How can I leave him here alone? You have never seemed to realize that l came back from Ottawa because wished to be with him. Even before went to convent I saw the traits in him that you see, hut also saw some thing mOre-the man that he might have been."
 Don't imagine I'm asking you to give him up," Vandervyn hastened to disclaim. "All I suggest is that we take our honeymoon trip alone."
 And leave Pere with no one to cook for him-leave him here! Can't you guess what would happen? Within q week-a fortnight at the utmost-he would marry the youngest and best cook within reach. a breed girl by pref erence-most likely Charities sister"
 Vandervyn winced as if cut across the face with whiplash.
 "No-not her!" he stammered 'That-it would be impossible! She would be I tell you, l will not stand for it-I cannot! !''
 Of course that could not be per, mitted," sweetly agreed Marie. "l would not care to come back and find had acquired a stepmother as young or younger than myself-no, not even if she were as clean and as good q girl as is Oinna Redbear."
 "Then you - think -" hesitated Vandervyn.
 Listen. have thought and thought and now I have it all planned out. I must do what is just by you, yet