Gilpin observer., 1918-07-04
CHAPTER XIV.
Diane Chance. Her Mind,

CHAPTER XIV.
Diane Changes Her Mind.
The news Of Sheba's safety had
been telephoned to Diane from the
roadhouse, SO that all the family from
Peter down were ON the porch to well
come her with mingled tears and
kisses. Since Gordon had to push on
to the hospital to have Holt taken care
of, 1t 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 busi-
ness at the ONCE which would not wait.
1mpulsively Sheba held out both her
hands to him. Believe me, 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 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 q great fg-
ure in her life, and now he had passed
out Of 1t.
As soon as she was alone with d.
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 an hour. She was
very fond Of Sheba, and she had been
on a great 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. It
isn't every girl that knows the right
man for her even when he wants her.
But know at last. He's the man for
me out Of ten million.v
'I'm sure Of It, dear. Oh, ar. SO
glad. Diane Rugged her again. She
couldn't help 1t.
"One gets to know a man pretty
well on trip like that. I wouldn't
change mine for any one that was ever
made. like everything about him. Di.
I am the happiest girl"
I'm SO glad you see 1t that way at
last" Diane passed to the practical
aspect of the situation. "But Thurs
day. VIII that give us time, my dear?
And who are you going to have heref'
"Just the family. I've invited two
guests, but neither Of them can come.
One has a 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"
Eyes. He'll have to be here. We
can't get along without the BRIDE
groom, It wouldn't be a legal mar
riage, would it3"
Diane looked at her. for the moment
dumb. you little wretch |" she got
out at last. $50 it's Gordon, is it,
Are you quite sure this time? Not
likely to change your mind before
ThursdayT
II suppose. to an outsider. I do seem
fickle," Miss O'Neill admitted smiling.
ly. "But Gordon and I both under.
stand that"
"And Colby Macdonald he un-
derstand 1t 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
inquiry. 'Of course that's nonsense.
What did he tell your
Something like that. He will marry
Mrs. Mallory, think, though he doesn't
know It yet"
"You mean she will get him on the
rebound" said Diane bluntly.
"That isn't nice way to put It. He
has always liked her very much. He
IL fond of her for what she IL. What
attracted him in me were the things
his imagination gave to me-"
"AAd Gordon likes you, suppose,
for what you arer' .sa.
Sheba did not resent the little note
Of friendly sarcasm. II suppose he
has his fancies about me, too, but By
the time he finds out what am hen
have to put up with me-"
The arrival Of Elliot interrupted CON.
ndences. he had come, he said, 10 n.
scelve congratulations.