The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1922-03-10

not true. ! am willing to express my
regrets and apologies,
THAT is better" said Colonel Dale
heartily. and ne turned 60 Erukine.
but Erskine was crying hotly;
And express neither"
A they rode back Colonel Dale
spoke of the war. IL was about To
move into Virginia. he said. and
when Il did Both Harry and Hugh
interrupted him with a glad shout.
We can gof' Colonel Dale nodd4d
sadly.
suddenly all pulled their hors~a in
simultaneously and raised their eyea.
for all heard tn, coming OF a horse
In dead run. Around a thicketod
curve af tho road came Barbara. with
her hair streaming behind her. She
pulled her pony In but "A few feet
in front Of them. with burning eyes
on Ersiine alone.
"Havc you killed hin-hav. you
killed hlmf II you have" She
stopped helpless. and ali were 80
amazed Shat none could answer. Frs
kline shook his head. There was n
flash OF relief In the girls white face.
its roekics~nosa gave way 10 sudden
shame. and. without n word. Ahe
wheeled and was away agaln--Hsrry
flying after her. No ono spoke. Col.
onel Dale looked aEhast and ErNklnc'H
heart again turned nlek.
XVI
As thu dusk gathered that evening.
Erskine. looking gloomlly thru his
window. saw barbara rutfer Ike a
white moth past the box-hcdge and
down the path. A moment later he
saw the tall form OF Colonel Dale
follow her. on tho thick turf tho
eolonsi's feet too were noiseleas, and
when Barbara stopped at the sun.
dial he. too. paused
Little girlF' he called. and no Low
er's voice could have been more gen.
tie. Come hercr'
She turned and -aw him. the low
moon lighting all tn. tenderness In
his fine old face. and she flew to
him. In wise silence ne stroked her
hair until she grew a little calmer.
What's the matter. little dauEh-
teri"
Il didn't want anybody
harmed
Il know. It's too bad. but none OF
US seem quite to trus, Mr.. Grey"
That's IT," she sobbcd: Il don't
either. and yet"
Il know. l know. Ny little girl
must be wise and brave Mother Is
No. II. b.. a..
unhappy too. Can't my little Riri
come back 20 the house now7 She
must be hostess and this " Ersklne's
last night" She looked up. brushing
away her tears.
Ills last night7- An. wise old
colonel
She took her fathers arm. and
when they reached the steps Erskine
saw her smiling. And smiling. al
most gay. she was az supper. sitting
with exquisite dignity In her mothers
place. Harry and Hugh looked
amazed. and her father, who knew
the bit Of tempered steel she was.
smiled his encouragement proudly.
OF Erskine. who sat at her right. she
asked many questions about the com
ing campaign.
After supper the little lady excused
herself with a smiling courtesy 10 20
TO her mother. Ers<ine found him
self in the moonlight on the big port.
co with Colonel Dale alone.
"Erskine." he said, you make II
very difficult for me 10 keep your
secret. IT was a boyish impulse OF
generosity which made you give this
estate to Barfnra--"
Never" interrupted the boy. Il
have no useless than ever now
barbara would not accept your
sacrifice. nor would any OF us. and
II Is only fair that I should warn
you that some day. II you should
change your mind. and I were no
longer living. you might be too late"
please don't. Uncle Harry. 1t is
done--done. OF course II wasn't fair
for me TO consider Barbara alone,
but she win be fair and you under.
stand. I wish you would regard the
whole matter as tho didn't exist"
Then Erskine's eyes darkened.
Uncle Harry. you may think me
foolish. but / don't like or trust
Grey. What was he doing with those