The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1925-06-05
By Richard W1shburr1 Child
Copyright by ID. p. Dutton q Col
CIV. N. u. Service)


old study, stopping before the photo
graphs of members of the house of
commons who had been Benham's
friends, but were like the ends Of so
many empty spools to Peters eyes at
this moment. He read an inscription
on portrait of General Wolseley, he
touched an ivory idol from Benares.
Lets light the fire." suggested Mu-
riel In weak and trembling voice.
"All right" said Peter, and struck q
match.
He did not smoke.
"Why not?" asked the girl.
II have a-headache," he said with a
laugh.
Come here, then. Lie down on IA
theirs sofa. don't mind. Be comfort
able, Peter"
He stretched out upon the springs
bent and sagged by years of pressure
OF the fox-hunting bankers solid
weight, and closed his eyes.
Muriel, who had drawn up a stool,
sat down upon 1t, staring into the fire
light. There in the study behind the
heavy door, which she had closed, the
two seemed suddenly very remote.
Il had wonderful time-this after
noon" she said in a tense and trem-
bling voice which made struggle to
appear normal.
"Good!" said DeWolfe.
Her hand moved timidly forth and
her soft fingers touched his forehead,
brushing back the hair.
Peter closed his eyes.
She leaned over quietly and with a
little cry hardly audible pressed her
lips to his.
He knew what had happened-the
real Muriel had come up through layer
on layer of tradition, training, pride,
habit, restraint. He only was confused
by his own stupidity in allowing this to
happen.
He sprang up.
Il never did that before. I never
by any one" she said, clenching her
hands.
"Oh, 1 say, I'm sorry" he began.
Sorry" she said
"Of course" he replied with unnec-
essary GOODNESS. "Of course I'm sorry.
I've allowed you to think"
MuriePs eyes were wide and blazing.
She threw her clenched hands apart
until her arms were outstretched to
their utmost. The freight was upon
her face and Peter could see elemen-
tary passions enough upon 1t.
you needn't say MORE" she almost
screamed, so that suddenly Peter had
great distaste for the exposure Of
things he did not know had lived in
her. you needn't say more, because
know"
Know" said Peter in q low tone,
as If inviting her to speak more quietly.
"Yes-know. It's her!" she said,
pointing toward the wall where the
deer's heads were hung. 81 know it's
my brother Eversby. He told you
about her. That's why you came
That's what you've been thinking
about. My brother was a fool !"
Peter raised his hand.
81 kissed you and I'm glad" she
went on furiously. Eyes, am. I'm
glad. 1t has brought out the truth. /
never did it before. I'm glad. The
truth"
EYES," said Peter sternly. cit has
brought out the truth"
you came here to see her. I know.
1 guessed. 1 knew Eversby told you
about her, but you never asked. And
l knew why. / didn't want to know. 1
wanted"
'T'm sorry" Peter said again.
The girl came on several PAGES and
leaned forward toward him.
For Gods sake, Peter, keep away
from her. She might like you. OF
course she'd like you. And If she liked
you"
what do you mean" he said.
81 know. / can't tell. It's a matter
of honor, matter Of confidence
confidence something / learned. l
wish 1 didn't know. But warn YOU"
She moved toward the door.
"Wait moment" he said.
NO. want TO go. hate you now,
Peter. Yes, do. 1t has been awful,
though. never want to see you again.
If you will only go while hate you !'
"Of course" he said.
But she is
Muriel stopped aghast.
"WellT he asked.
II can't tell you. But 1 warn you.
1t is too awful to believe. If she takes
you in, you will This Is all / can
tell"
"What?"
vanish" she whispered, "-like the
Others"
The door closed after her.
"Too late to go to London tonight"
he said, looking at his watch. He lis
tened for a moment. There was rain
upon the window panes. "Vanish
Vanish-like the others? Oh, it's alb
surd A piece of jealous outburst.
Vanish? Nonsense r.