The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1918-10-10
CHAPTER XIV.
Diane Changes Her Mind.

The news OF Sheba's Pafety had
been telephoned to Diane from the
r~Oadhouse. so that all the family from
Peter down were or the porch to well
come her with mingled tears and
kisses. Since Gordon had to push on
to the hospital TO have Holt taken car
Of, It was Macdonald who brought the
girl home. The mine-owner declined
rather %brusquely an invitation to stay
to dinner on the plea that he had bust.
ness nt the office which would not walt.
Impulsively Sheba held out both her
hands to him. believe me, I am thank
Ing you with the whole Of my heart,
my friend. And I'm praying for you
the old Irish blessing, God save you
kindly"
The deep-set, rapacious eyes OF the
Scotsman burned into hers for an in
slant. Without a word he released her
hands and turned away.
Her eyes followed him, a vital, dyna-
mic American who would do big, law.
less things TO the day OF his death.
She sighed. He had been a great ig.
urc in her life, and now he had passed
U OF II.
A soon as she was alone with III.
ane, her Irish cousin dropped the little
bomb she had up her sleeve.
I'm going to be married Thursday,
d."
Mrs. Paget embraced her for the
tenth time within IN hour. She was
very fond OF Sheba, and she had been
on a grea. strain concerning her safety.
That out Of her danger had resulted
the engagement Diane had hoped for
was surplusage Of good luck.
"You lucky, sensible girl"
Sheba assented demurely. II do
think I'm sensible as well as lucky. II
isn't every girl that knows the right
nan for her even when he wants her.
But I know at last. He's the man for
me out OF ten million.S
SIN sure Of II, dear. Oh, I am so
glad Diane Rugged her again. She
couldn't help II.
zone gets TO know a man pretty
we'll on u trip like that. I wouldn't
change mine for any one that was ever
made. l like everything about him, ID.
I am the happiest girl"
I'm 80 glad you see II TINT way ut
last" Dime passed to the practical
aspect Of the situation. "But Thurs
day. Will that give US time, my deari
And who are you going to have here?"
"Just the family. I've invited two
guests, but neither Of them a come.
One has n broken leg and the other
says he doesn't want to see me mar.
ried to another man." Sheba explained
with a smile.
$50 Gordon won't come"
"Yes. He'll have 10 be here. We
can't get along without the bride
1t wouldn't be a legal mar.
rlage, would III"
Diane looked AZ her. for the moment
dumb. "YOu little wretch !" she got
out mt last. $50 it's Gordon, IL II,
Are you quite sure this timer Not
likely to change your mind before
ThursdayT
81 suppose. to an outsider, I do seem
Miss O'Neill admitted smiling.
ly. "But Gordon and | both under.
stand that"
"And Colby Mncdonald-does he un.
derstand II tooT
"Oh. yes" Her smile grew broader.
"He told me that he didn't think I
would quite suit him, after all. Not
enough experience for the place"
Diane flashed a suspicious look OF
"Of course that's nonsense.
What did he tell your
Something like that He will marry
Mrs. Mallory, ] think, though he doesn't
know II yet"
"You mean she will get him on the
said Diane bluntiy.
'srhat isn't a nice way to put II. He
has always liked her very much. He
Is fond Of her for what she is. WIN,
attracted him In M were the thiugs
Imagination gave 10 me-"
"And Gordon likes you, I suppose.
for what you arer"
sheba did not resent the little note
Of friendly sarcasm. II suppose he
has his faneies about me, too, but by
the time he hnds out what I am he'll
have to put up with me-"
The arrival Of Elliot interrupted con-