Tombstone epitaph., 1918-03-10


 and his servant Still John never moved. Jennings drained his glass. placed the decanter by his masters side. and withdrew.
 "So the poison's stin there, broth er?" Stephen asked.
 -And will be 90 long as I live" John confessed gloomily. For all that. I'll not drink your toast"
 "Why notT"
 There was . 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 6 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 herceness seemed to have passed ..-om 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 Ketton?" Stephen asked at last.
 T did"
 ~Then you heard the newsw
 "Who could help itT John muttered. '~There wasn't much else talked about"
 "Bailin 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, mayber'
 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 c little restlessly in his chair.
 Lets drop 1t. Stephen" he begged. We 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 1t to you confusion to all wom. en!"
 Confusion to-" Stephen began. "What on earth Is thatr'
 They both heard 1t at the same time the faint beating of a motor engine in the distance. John set down his glass. There was a 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. It reminds one-good heavens, how 1t reminds one!"
 There was . look of agony in his face for . moment Then once more he raised his glass to his lips.
 Its 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 . click ; there were footsteps upon the hinty walk.
 Its someone coming hereI" John cried hoarsely. "Why can't they keep awayf It's two years ago this week since I brought her up the drive and you met us at the front door. Two years ago. Stepheni Who can 1t bel"
 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, it isn't the car this time-it is I who have broken downi ! cannot % on. I have no pride left I have come to you. VIII you help mer
 He found himself upon his feet. Ste phen, too, had arisen. She stood be- tween the two men, and glanced from one to the othef. Then she looked moro closely into Johns face. peering forward with little start of pain, and her eyes were filled with teara
 "John." she cried, forgive mel You were Q cruel that morning. and you seemed to understand % uttie. Don't you really understand, even now7 Have you ever known the truth. won derr
 Tho truthr he echoed hoarsely. Don't we an moW thatf Don't We all know that hs is to give you yo1f rights. that you aro comlng@
 ~Stopr she ordered him.
 He obeyed and for . moment thsrs was dlenee-a tense, stx1ined silence.
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