The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1918-01-19

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.
80 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 q little girl-you saw
her when you were in London. She Is
married now, but l think Of her some
times; and when I 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
time he smoked in silence. Curiously
enough, as they sat together, some OF
the grim fierceness seemed to have
passed from his expression and settled
upon John. More than once, as ne
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 Ketton?" 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 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 little restlessly in his
chair.
Lets drop it, Stephen" he begged
ave 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 WON
EN-"
Confusion to" Stephen began
"What on earth is that?"
They both heard it at the same time
the faint beating Of motor engine
In the distance. John set down his
glass. There was a strange look II
his eyes.
There are more cars passing alone
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 q look Of agony in hi!
face for q moment. Then once more
he raised his glass to his lips.
"It's passed out of hearing" Stepher
said. Its someone on the way to thu
castle, maybe"
Still their glasses remained suspend
ed in midair. The little garden gait
had opened and closed with a click
there were footsteps upon the flint.
walk.
Its someone coming here" Johl
cried hoarSely. "Why can't they keel
away? It's two years ago this weel
since I brought her up the drive ant
you met US at the front door. Tw'
years ago, Stephen! Who can it be?
They heard the front door open
they heard Jennings voice raised II
unusual and indignant protest. Thel
their own door was suddenly f1uni
wide, and q miracle happened. John
glass slipped from his fingers, and tn
wine streamed out across the carpet
He shrank back, gripping at the table
cloth. Stephen turned his head, an
sat as if turned to stone.
John" she faltered, at isn't the ca
this time-it Is I who have broke
down! I cannot go on. have n
pride left. I have come to you. Wi
you help me?'
He found himself upon his feet. Ste
phen, too, had arisen. She stood be
tween the two men, and glanced fror
one to the other. Then she locke
more closely into Johns face, peerin
forward with little start of pain, an
her eyes were filed with tears.
"John," she cried, forgive me! 70
. were so cruel that morning, and 70
seemed to understand so little. Don
you really understand, even now
Have you ever known the truth, wor
> der?"
; "The truth" he echoed hoarsel.
!, 'Don't we all know that? Don't we
know that he is to give you your right
=, that you are coming"
"Stop!" she ordered him.
l He obeyed, and for moment ther
was silence-a tense, strained silenc
: "John," she continued at last,
Y have no rights to receive from tn
prince of Seyre. He owes me nothin
Listen! Always we have seen life di
n