The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1931-03-27
CHAPTER XIV-Continued

something has happened to the laddie."
"We would soon have heard of it.
That's why I'm not worrying about
Roberta yet said Rob sternly. you're
too much of clucking hen, Aggy.
He's grown man and you can't keep
him tied TO you"
I'm not wanting that" asserted
Aggy stOutly. II want him TO gang
his own gait, but to let me know
where he's bound"
Despite his anxiety, Robert Mac
Beth could not help laughing. THAT
all you want. Aggy?"
ITS not much. but | do want it,
Hell have wife one of these
days" said Rob warningly. Then
where will you be?"
well. your girl will have a hus-
band one of these days" retorted
Aggy defiantly. "Then where will
you be?'
81 don't know" He put his hand
on his sisters "We1l maybe have
TO stick it out together" he said
affectiOnately.
Aggy sighed. Maybe. | doubt If
either of US will find that so agree
able. unless we can get the youngsters
TO come often to see us. It's always
more exciting when they're about.
Let's go in Rob. where there are
lights. I'll help you"
A car came swiftly up to the ter
race and Roberta helped the obstinate
Sir George out. The doctor had not
been able to keep him in bed. 1t had
been a remarkably silent journey
home Roberta. filed with anxiety for
Sir George, had driven. Sir Georges
head had been on her shoulder. He
leaned heavily against her. He had
been saving his breath and his
strength for his meeting with the re-
doubtable Robert Macbeth and Aggy,
ROb'S sister. Yet. Roberta had never
would never, have a more thrilling
. ride than this through the night, with
her stranger-husband close to her, de-
pendent on her. There seemed no
need of speech between them-yet.
ROberta's firm young arm went
around him. She helped him TO
chair on the terrace. and as he sank
in it, twisted her hands helplessy
as she stood looking at him. You
should not stand, not even for
moment! You should be in bed. Oh.
what an obstinate man! If Aunt
Aggy were to see you now"
'Aggy will have to keep her hands
off," said Aggy's ungrateful stepson.
Roberta, divorce is easy in this
country and I'll never hold you-if
you want to CO."
The girl gave him swift, flashing
look. "Why did you marry meT'
He looked at her in the soft light,
for the storm was long since over
and the late moon was rising. He
laughed. For just the one reason.
I'm mad about every hair in your
darling red head. | could spend the
rest of my life kissing the dimple in
your cheek"
Il want the truth"
you've had it," said Sir George
and kissed the dimple and her mouth
Presently Roberta drew her head
back and whispered: 81 think I'll
stay married to you"
He laughed softly. You're easily
satisfied. I'm still a poor Scot with
barren acres and a cold. old stone
house"
And I'm still a red-haired. hateful
tempered"
Darling" said Sir George. DO
you think you can help me to the door
and face the music?'
To-
Sandison came out on the terrace ~
thought | heard a car Think shame
to yourselves, both of you gallivanting
about, leaving your guests to find
their way home the best they could.
and frightening me and Rob out of
our senses"
"Oh, no." said Sir George quickly.
"You were not really worrying about
US yet, Aggy."
"Was | not" she came nearer and
perceived that Robertas arm was
about Sir George and that his face
was white in the moonlight and his
head bandaged as well as his foot
She ran to him. Roberta Macbeth,
you heartless girl, what have you been
doing to my Ladder"
Marrying me, Aggy," said her STEP
son smiling.
WHAT"
Robert Macbeth had heard their
voices and such was his anxiety had
risen from his wheelchair and was
slowly hObbIing toward them. Roberta.
now that Aggy was there TO support
Sir George. ran to him and put her
arms about him. She led him to
where Lady Sandison knelt, her arms
about her boy.
But Sir George put Aggy aside and
held out his hand to Roberta. She
left Robert Macbeth and went to him.
'I-we-were married. sir. Sorry
! can't stand up Sir George added.
sinking back into his chair at was
a little sudden. but | trust you won't
object very strenuously."
Il do" said Robert Macbeth an
grily, clutching at chair to help him
stand erect. 81 do most strenuously.
Father cried Roberta swat
until you hear why he did 1t. He
wasn't in the least to blame He did
il to save me from terrible mistake"
"Nothing of the kind" declared Sir
George Indignantly. II did 1t because
I've been mad about you ever since
/ first set eyes on you"
That's the plain TRUTH" declared
Lady Sandison. "And it's me that
knows it. Let the laddie sit down on
this chair, and do you sit down your
self, Rob, before you get all hot and