Cheyenne Wells record., 1922-06-08
CHAPTER v.

miserable. RODert feTcl'ui WuS away
with Mackenzie. In his absence, Al
though the two women ate dinner To-
gether Ind kept each other company
afterwar-i in the drawing room. their
conversation was limited to the sim
plest commonplnces. The return OF the
men eased the tension. Percival ex-
cused himself almost at once to write
some letters. and as Mackenzie made
evident his eagerness to get Evelyn by
herself, Mrs. Robertson seized
chance to steal away to her own room.
For some time after her departure
the girl and the man were silent. This
was the first time In Mares life that
his heart had been really touched by
woman. and In spite Of his years
and experience, he was almost as
bashful as young boy.
At length their eyes met. and the
girls lowered. while the color mount
ed In food to her hair.
The man was by her side In an In
stant He had read in the shy, retreat-
Ing glance what he longed to see.
Evelyn! I-I-I-belieye you care
for me. I really believe you do" he
exclaimed. "You do, sweet?" he de-
manded. his voice trembling.
"Yes." whispered Evelyn.
"Now. isn't 1t strange" asked Mar
Gus. after they took up their conversa-
tion again. that while l was gone l
always thought of you, but not just
like this. Honey. girl how long have
you loved me? BefOre-before today?'
~ think always" confessed Evelyn,
with growing flush.
What n fortunate man Marcus Mac
Kenzie considered himself just at that
moment. He had won the prettiest
girl In Ithaca: and she loved him.
"And to think only came home
last night" he exulted. "This time
yesterday you were free. my Eve. At
this moment no power can take you
away from me-"
Dreadful recOllectiOns Of Oscar In
truded upon Evelyn's new happiness.
Oh. II she only had the courage to tell
Marcus! Would he keep on loving her
und help her to get free. or would he
SHE glanced into his face. There
were upon 1t the marks Of breeding,
Of pride In himself, his wealth. posi-
tion and power. She knew how highly
he regarded the conventions Of society.
II she should disclose to him the
secret of her marriage to the farmer.
he would see nothing but the blot upon
her and turn away In disgust. No. she
couldn't tell him. Despair over
whelmed her and made MacKenzle's
arms burdensome. With an effort she
smiled family and withdrew from him.
II don't want to let you go. darling"
he laughed. at seems like beautiful
dream!"
Eve wished passionately that she
were nt liberty to make the dream
come true.
"You are my beloved" asserted Mar
.us. and with the girls whispered
"yes," he allowed her to leave the
room.
Evelyn went Immediately to her
mothers apartment and. opening the
door. slipped in and sank down upon
the floor at Mrs. Robertson's side.
1--WE told him I'd marry him." she
said. with trembling lips. Mother
dear, oh. please. mother dear, don't
you think you could borrow some mon
ey from Robert for me? must have
1t. After I'm married to Marcus, I
could get 1t all back for you. know
could. I've Just got to have a lot
Of money. and you can't expect me to
ask Marcus"
Mrs. Robertson drew away with
shiver.
"If you so forgot yourself, your
family and your name as to do such
thing, should disown you, Evelyn"
she said. flnallty In her tones.
Evelyn rose YEARLY. She could
imagine the heights Of her mothers
scorn II she discovered the actual sit
uation. She felt that she would rather
tell Mackenzie than the unsympa-
thetic. frowning woman In the chair.
"There's no use, mother. In trying to
talk to you." she muttered. "T'll man.
age some way. though only God knows
how"
Mrs. Robertson took up her book and
gnzed sternly at her daughter over the
top Of 1t.
every well. Evelyn" she said, I'm.
graciously. you're Of age. II that's
the way you feel about It, there's moth
ing more to be said"
WhercupOn the speaker began to
read, and very hopeless girl crept
out OF the room.
When Evelyn was repairing the raw.
ages made by her emotions, Polly
Hopkins crept into the Robertson gar.
den. Her fear Of Mrs Robertson was
mingled with thrilling happiness,
She had seen Granny Hope and Wee
Jerry eat the fresh eggs; Daddy's
promise would keep him out Of trouble
with Old Marc: and the beautiful
stranger would help themi
She gave piercing little trill, the
signal she had always used to call
Evelyn from the house. Almost at once
figure stepped from the door to the
porch directly in front Of her. and ter.