The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1917-04-06
CHAPTER XII.
MarshaIlnn the Evidence
CIVIL ENGINEER

intense energy and a powerful will.
What she began she finished, and she
was not deferred from beginning things
by fears of consequences. She was con-
WINGED that Meade had not told the
truth In that famous declaration in his
fathers office. She respected him for
his desire to shield his fathers name
and fame even at the expense of his
veraclty, albeit she would not have
been woman If she had not resented
the fact that in so doing he had sacri-
feed her happiness as well as his own,
The question whether Meade, Jr..
was the more responsible or even re-
sponsible at all was more or less
academic to Colonel nlingworth. He
would have had nothing further to do
with either of them if both were living.
and certainly not with the younger sur
vivor. He tried TO believe that if II
had come to q final choice the daugh-
ter, in spite of the fact that such is
the habit of women in the experience
of life, would not hIve given up age
and her father for youth and her lover.
Indeed she was too genuinely devoted
to her father to do that except as a
last resort.
She cherished the hope first, that
Meade could re-establlSh himself-she
had too sweeping confidence in his
character and capacity to doubt that
and second, that it could be shown
that he had not been responsible for
the failure of the bridge. She was
more and more convinced that his as
sumption of the blame had been die
tated by the highest of motives and
instead of being fit subject for CEN
sure and condemnation, he merlted adj
miration and applause. She hoped with
her woman's wit to prove this event
ually, perhaps in spite of her lover,
and to this end she applied herself as
siduously to solve the problem.
To her, at her request, came Rod
ney. Now the reporters had dealt very
gently with Helen Illingworth. They
had made no announcement Of the en-
gagement or of its breaking at her ia
theirs earnest request. There was no
necessity of bringing her into the
bridge story, although 1t would have
added q dramatic touch to their mar
ratives. Her inclination had been to
;avow it. But upon reflection she saw
1t would have annoyed her father be-
yond expression, it would not have
helped Meade any and it might ham,
per her in her work. She realized
that she had Rodney to thank for this
omission and after she had time to col
lect herself she asked him to call upon
her. He was very glad to come.
IT sent for you Mr.. Rodney, on &C.
count of Mr. Bertram Meade" she be-
gan, after thanking him for his cour-
tesy toward her the day the older
Meade died and thereafter. II want
you to help me-"
II shall be delighted to do so for
your own sake. / know how deeply
interested you are in Meade's rehabili-
tatiOn."
"Mr. Rodney" returned the woman,
flushing a little, 'you know Of course
that we were engaged. He considers
the engagement broken"
81 suppose so. That would be like
him." said Rodney gravely. "Indeed
as man of honor he could do no less"
"You are all alike" said the wOm-
an little bitterly. "Your notions are
supreme. You may sacrifice love and
your best friend so long as you pre-
serve those notions Of honor intact"
"And yet If we weren't honorable
men you wouldn't care for us at all"
Eyes, suppose that's 1t. Well, l do
care very much, as you understand. l
may as well be frank with you. My
father, of course, is bitterly antagonis-
tic to Mr.. Meade. He won't even al
low his name to be mentioned"
zone can hardly blame him for that,
Miss nlingworth. The failure of the
bridge seriously embarrassed the Mart
let Bridge company, and it is a great
handicap for them to overcome in seek
ing any further contracts"
"But did not summon you here to
discuss the affairs of the Martlet
Bridge company" said Helen, Inter
esting though they may be, but to see
IL by working together there was not
some way by which we could prove
that Bertram Meade has assumed the
blame to save the honor and fame of
bis father"
"You believe that, Miss IllingworthT
II am sure of it."
$50 am l." said Rodney quickly.
"Thank God" cried the girl little
Historically, surprised and almost
swept off her feet by this prompt
avowal by one who, though young, was
already an authority in the literature
of engineering. "Why do you say that2
What evidence have your"
Unfortunately" answered Rodney,
81 haven't any tangible evidence what
ever. but l know Bert Meade as few
people know him, Miss Illingworth,
perhaps not even you" he went on, in
spite of her unsp0ken, but vigorous
protest at that last statement, as she
shook her head and smiled at him.
aAnd tbere are several little clrcum-