Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1917-12-11
CHAPTER XIII.


the kissing of the green logs that
burned on the open hearth, and for
the slow movements of Jennings as he
cleared the table. Straight and grim
In his chair, with the newspaper by
his side, Stephen Strangewey sat
smoking stolidly. Opposite TO him, al
most as grim, equally silent, sat John.
Things were quiet at Market Ket-
ton today, then, John?" Stephen asked
at last.
There was nothing doing" was the
brief reply.
That, for the space of quarter of
an hour or so, was the sole attempt at
conversation between the two broth
ers. Then Jennings appeared with
decanter of wine and two glasses,
which he reverently filled. Stephen
held his up to the light and looked at
it critically. Johns remained by his
side, unnoticed
"a glass for yourself, Jennings"
Stephen ordered.
81 thank We kindly, sir" the old
man replied.
He fetched a glass from the side
board, filled 1t, and held it respectfully
before him.
tits the old toast" Stephen said
glumly. "You know it !"
AYE, Master Stephen" the servant
assented. We've drunk it together
for many a long year. 1 give it We
now with all my heart-confusion to
all women!"
They both glanced at John, who
showed no signs of movement. Then
they drank together, the older man
and his servant Still John never
moved, Jennings drained his glass,
placed the decanter by his masters
side, and withdrew.
$50 the poison's still there, broth
err" Stephen asked.
"And will be so long as live" John
confessed gloomily. For all that, I'll
not drink your toast"
why not?"
''There was a little girl-you saw
her when you were in London. She is
married now, but think of her some
times; and when l do, you and old
Jennings seem to me like a couple of
blithering idiots cursing things too
wonderful for you to understand"
Stephen made no protest. For a
time he smoked in silence. Curiously
enough, as they sat together, some of
the grim fierceness seemed to have
passed .N-om his expression and settled
upon John. More than once, as he
looked across at his younger brother,
thing of self-reproach in his question
ing look.
"You dined at the ordinary in Mar
ket Ketton?" Stephen asked at last.
81 did"
"'Then you heard the news?"
"Who could help it?" John muttered.
''There wasn't much else talked
about"
"Bailiff Henderson has been over
here" Stephen went on. There's a
small army of painters and decorators
coming down to the castle next week.
You saw the announcement of the
wedding in the morning Post, maybe?"
John assented without words. Ste
phen smoked vigorously for few mo-
ments. Every now and then he
glanced across to where John was sit
ting. Once again the uneasiness was
in his eyes, an uneaSiness which was
almost self-reproach.
John moved a little restlessly in his
chair.
Lets drop it, Stephen" he begged.
1--WE both know the facts. She is GO
ing to marry him, and that's the end
of it. Fill your glass up again. Here's
mine untouched. I'll drink your toast
with you, if you'll leave out the little
girl who was kind to me. I'll give il
to you myself confusion to all wom-
EN-"
Confusion to-" Stephen began.
what on earth is that?'
They both heard 1t at the same time
the faint beating of a motor engine
in the distance. John set down his
glass. There was a strange look in
his eyes.
There are more cars passing along
the road now than in the old days"
he muttered; "but that's queer
sound. 1t reminds one-good heavens,
how 1t reminds oneI"
There was a look of agony in his
face for a moment. Then once more
he raised his glass to his lips.
"It's passed out of hearing" Stephen
said. "It's someone on the way to the
castle, maybe"
Still their glasses remained suspend
ed in midair. The little garden gate
had opened and closed with click
there were footsteps upon the flinty
walk.
SITS someone coming here!" John
cried hoarsely. why can't they keep
away? It's two years ago this week
since 1 brought her up the drive and
you met US at the front door. Two
years ago, Stephen! Who can it be-"
They heard the front door open.
they heard Jennings voice raised ia
unusual and indignant protest. Then
their own door was suddenly flung
wide, and a miracle happened. Johns
glass slipped from his fingers, and the
wine streamed out across the carpet.
He Shrank back, gripping at the table
cloth. Stephen turned his head, and
sat as if turned to stone.
John" she faltered, at isn't the car
this time--it is 1 who have broken
down! I cannot go on. / have no
pride LETT. have come to you. VIII
you help mes"
He found himself upon his feet. Ste
phen, too, had arisen. She stood be-
tween the two men. and glanced from
one TO the other. Then she looked
more closely into Johns face, peering
forward with little start of pain, and
her eyes were filed with tears.
"John," she cried, forgive mel You
were so cruel that morning, and you