Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1917-09-20
AUTHOR Of THE LONE
WOLF. THE BRASS
BOWL, ETC.
COPYRIGHT By LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE

finger Of suspicion ut me-or Peter!"
allow absurd
'1hink so? Well, I'm glad you do,
my dear" His humOr had softened.
Drawing near, he plnched her cheek
nffectionately. mot that there's any
reason for you to worry. Only, If Betty
still wants to play Lady Bountiful ut
your wedding. she'll have to disburse
the price of another necklace"
Daddy! AS If thought of that"
"Probubly you don't, being yourself.
Still-you'll marry some day, and pearl
collars don't grow on every bough of
orange blossoms"
"Im not thinking Of being married."
Lydia murmured, looking away.
"Oh, l presume not-nO more than
the next girl Of your age! Nothing do
ing with Peter Trait. eh?"
ooh, daddy! Don't be silly"
Lydia met his gnze fairly and hon.
estly. laughter in her eyes, and Craven
accepted her disclaimer without ques-
ton.
"Well, I'm sorry for Peter. He's
good boy-well of too. And he's mighty
strong for you. Mustn't let yourself be
misled by Peters reputation. Just be-
cause he's got the name of Il gay young
butterfly is 10 real reason why he
shouldn't be in dead earnest this time"
II wish you wouldn't say such
things"
"Wcll-don't forget him, when yJiI
do come to think of marrying. And"
Craven dismissed the subject airily, "of
course you would be happier rs mis-.
tress of your own establishment than
well-playing second fiddle in mine"
Had he slapped her the girl could
hardly have suffered deeper pain and
humiliation. He wanted to be rid of
her! That truth was out ut last. How
ever kindly Craven's primal Impulse to
deceive, the time had come when he
could or would no longer dissemblc.
Her thoughts worked swiftly. Since
he found ner drag. she must cease to
he such Mt once--instantly-to
Until she could find some way to be-
come self-supporting the hosptubie
doors of Mrs. Bcggurstuffs home Of
fered haven where Lydia felt sure
Of finding a welcome, sympathy, nfrcc-
ton.
With brisk tread and cheerful
cOuntenance Craven returned to the sit
ting room. "HellO! What's troubling
my girl? Something on your mind, eh?"
She eyed him gravcly. do you real
iy want me to marry Peter Truft?" she
demanded.
'Why consult my desircs2 You'll do
rs YOU please nnywuy-just as did at
your age. It's u good match, and If you
find you care enough for the young
Stcr," he raised his hands in mock bene-
diction, "bless you, my children! But
Upon my word never can tell about
you women. Only two minutes ago"
"Thnt was when I still believed you
wanted me with you, when thought l
might be n help to you, not nn obstacle
In the path Of your happiness. Better
to marry ut once-the first bidder-und
repent too late, If that must be-thun
to know I'm in your way"
"Liddy, my dear little girlw The
tone was fond, the smile indulgent; but
with sharpened vision she saw through
the prctense.
moi" she cried passionately. mo
Don't-don't waste time trying to de-
ceive me, dndGy!'
Turning she stumbled blindly into
her bedroom, shut the door. and threw
herself across the bed, sobbing.
After some time the door latch
clicked. "Liddy!"
The girl made no answer. She
couldn't; she was struggling to hush
her sobs.
"Liddy!" Craven came to her side
and seated himself on the bed. Little
girl" he said. with melnH holy. "you've
hurt me terribly, misjudgcd me -
cruelty. But no matter. l realize that
you don't understand"
He touched her hair caressingly. She
suffered this without response. To.
night her wits We're keyed to Il pitch OF
uvlnation. Beneath the cloying ten.
herness In his accents she read the
truth too clearly.
re just telephoned for dinner. It'll
be up presently. and l want you to try
to eat something. Get up. please, and
dry your eyes, compose yourself, and
be fair to me-"
Every WE'LL" Lydia said stiffly, with.
out stirring.
I With final approving pat Craven
rose. 'Thank you, my dear" he said
gently. He sighed. moved toward the
door. but there paused. "By the way
he observed carelessly. shat thing
gave you the other night-the puzzle
box-it is safe, l presume?"
EYES," said Lydia, sitting up. 'Do
you want it,"
''If convenient"
Without another answer she rose and
went to the bureau, found her hand
bag. produced the puzzle box, and
silently. with ayc-ted face, gave it to
her father.
His footsteps were audible crossing
the sitting room. Then she heard hinl