The Washington times., 1921-04-10
CHAPTER XII.
b-HERE was never quieter

= clouds, to one who knew
their signs, promised wind before
midday; but at seven o'clock. when
Lorraine and walked down to-
gether to the little white church
among the poinsettias and the
palms, there was not breath astir.
Lorraine" asked her as we
neared the church. "how did you
feel on your wedding morning? Do
you know, you never told me all
about It. How old were you. Lor-
raine?"
81 was just your age" she said,
but the other half Of the question
she left unanswered. We were al
most at the porch and ! did not
speak to her again. for 1t seemed 10
me that she did not care on that
day to look back.
.'If someone" I thought, with
cold shiver, were to come and tell
me, as they told her, that he was
dead, should never go on living
as Lorraine did. I think ] should
lust fall down where they told me
and my heart would break and |
should die"
Somehow ] had said the last
three words aloud. Lorraine stop
ped in the dust OF the roadway SO
that /, perforce. had to stop, too.
'You would" she said, emphat
fcally, "or break your heart, or go
mad. You are not the kind to
stand up against the loss OF the big
gest thing in the world. Anyone
who saves you from that Is your
friend"
Lorraine" said, helplessly, 81
cant understand you; but II we
don't go on they will be waiting"
She laughed q curious little
laugh. mo, you don't understand.
Z but don't forget 1t all the same"
she said. And we went into the
church.
There was a clergyman, l know,
and know, too, that, early as 1t
was, a few curious folk from the
surrounding villas had come In to
looh on at the wedding and were
scattered about the pews. But l
did not see them. ] do not remem-
ber even seeing the rector, with his
surplice and his book. l saw one
figure only, that Of Harry England.
He was standing In the chancel,
close to the rails. looking down the
church. He was very. tall in his
white, gold-buttoned suit; the light
from two colored windows fell in
crossing streams upon him, and
patched his coat with rSSs Of blue
and "patines of bright sold."
His eyes met me as l entered
and held fast to mine. And went
I'D the aisle, beside Lorraine, un-
conscious that I was walking, un.
conscious that Dara Hamilton was
Dara Hamilton. only knowing that
those eyes were holding my eyes
and drawing me to him.
How shall Itell the rest?
Lorraine had fallen into the back,
ground. I had taken my place by
Harry England: the rector had
opened his book and I was coming
back to myself and remembering
that I must now hear and speak for
the second time, in earnest and
with all my heart, the words that
had spoken carelessly and withou,
understanding as a child. hated
the thought OF that previous speak
ing and hearing, as ! had hated the
thought Of Luke's past kisses on
the lips that were now Harry Eng
lands.
Dearly beloved
Did the rector actually speak OF
did I anticipate the words that
knew? I cannot say. have never
been quite clear concerning what
happened in that moment, except
as to one thing.
There was a disturbance in the
church behind me.
Someone had come in in hurry;
someone was walking very fast
running, almost-up the aisle. Tht
rector stopped-if he had begun.
am not sure Of that-and looked
over his book. | heard the rustic
Of Lorraine's crisp dress, as II she
had suddenly turned.
l uon I KNOW Whdt inc thoush' ~
my mind was-something vague
about the schooner, l think, and
possible accident to her, and people
wanting her captain. I looked NJ
at Harry's face. II was perfectly
immobile; he had not glanced
round.
Then the thunderbolt fell.
stop this marrage!"
1t was Luke's voice. turned, 81
bewildered that had not evei
strength to be angry, or to fear
yet-and l saw Luke Ivory, white
breathless, standing at the foot o