The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-08-08

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
er?' Stephen asked.
"And will be so long as l live" John
confessed gloomily. For all that, III
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
i times; and when l do, you and old
Jennings seemsto me like u couple Of
blithering idiots cursing things too
wonderful for you to underestimate"
Stephen made ro protest For a
time he smoked in silence. Curiously
enough, as they sat together, some Of
the grim ferceness seemed to have
passed from his expression and settled
upon John. More than once, as he
looked across at his younger brother,
| it almost seemed as If there was some
thing of self-reproach In his question
ing look.
You dined at the ordinary in Mar
ket KettonT Stephen asked at last.
II 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
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 a 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. unensiness which was
almost self-reprouch.
John moved q little restlessly in his
chair. u.
. Lets drop 1t, Stephen" he begged
1--WE both know the facts. She is 60.
Ing to marry him, and that's the end
of 1t. 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 1t
to you myself 1coafusion to all wo,n
en!" I'D \. III T ~ ). ar
Confusion to" Stephen began
"What on eartil Is that?'
They both heard 1t at the same time
the faint beuting Of motor engine
In the distance. John set down his
glass. There was 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 it reminds One!"
There was look Of agony in his
face for a moment. Then once more
he raised his glass to his lips.
ITS passed out Of hearing" Stephen
said. ITS 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 q click
there were footsteps upon the flinty
walk.
ITS someone coming here" John
cried hoarsely. "Why can't they keep
away? It's two years ago this week
since brought her up the drive and
you met us at the front door. Two
years ago, Stephen! Who can it beY
They heard the front door open,
they heard Jennings voice raised in
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. ut isn't the car
this time-it is l who have broken
down! I cannot 60 on. 1 have no
pride left. have come to you. Will
you help me?'
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 We're filled with tears.
"JOhn," she cried, ''forglve me! You
were so cruel that morning, and you
seemed to understand so little. Don't
you really understand, even now?
Have you ever known the truth, Won
derT'
1.-THE truthw he echoed hoarsely
"Don't we all know that? Don't we all
know that he is to give you your rights,
that you are coming"
"Stop!" she ordered him.
He obeyed, and for moment there
was sllence-a tense, strained silence.
"John," she continued at last, II
have no rights to receive from the
prince of Seyre. He owes me nothing.
Listen! Always we have seen life diff
ferently, you and I. To me there Is
only one great thing, and that Is love;
and beyond that nothing counts. 1
20 1opo TIM npinco hofnro vo,,