The Ordway new era., 1918-02-22


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 little girl-you saw
her when you were In London. She is
married now, but think Of her some
times and when do. you and old
Jennings seem to me like 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 ferceness seemed to have
passed ION 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 Ketton7" Stephen asked at last.
II did,"
''Then you heard the news?"
"Who could hep it?" John muttered.
''There wasn't much else talked
about"
"Bailiff Henderson has been over
here" Stephen went on. There's n
small army of painters and decorators
coming down to the castle next week.
You saw the announcement of the
wedding in the morning Post, maybe2'
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 little restlessly In his
chair.
Lets drop 1t, Stephen" he begged.
"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-confusion to all wom-
enr"
Confusion to" Stephen began.
''What on earth is that7"
They both heard 1t at the same time
the faint beating 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 a queer
sound. 1t reminds one-good heavens,
how 1t reminds onel"
There was a look of agony in his
face for 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 a click |;
there were footsteps upon the finty
walk.
"It's someone coming herep John
cried hoarsely. "Why can't they keep
away7 It's two years ago this week
since brought her up the drive and
you met us at the front door. Two
years ago. Stephenl Who can 1t be2"
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 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 dme-it is who have broken
DOWN. I cannot 60 on. I have no
pride left. have come to you. VIII
you help mel"
He found himself upon his feet. Ste
phen, too, had arisen. She stood be-
tween the two men, and glanced from
more closely into Johns face. peering
forward with little start of pain. and
her eyes were filled with tears.
"John." she cried, forgive mel You
were SO cruel that morning, and you
seemed to understand SO little. Don't
you really understand. even now7
Have you ever known the truth, won
der7"
1.-THE TRUTH" he echoed hoarsely.
'Don't we all know that7 Don't we all
know that he Is to give you your rights,
that you are coming"
"Stopl" she ordered him.
he obeyed, and for a moment there
was silence-a tense, strained silence.
"John," she continued at last. ~
have no rights to receive from the
prince Of Seyre. He owes me nothing.
Listeni Always we have seen life DIFF
ferently. you and L To me there II
only one great thing. and that is loves
and beyond that nothing counts. I