The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1933-11-23
CHAPTER XII-Continued

CHAPTER XII-Continued
--19-
He was silent. Doris said, Twas
Mrs. Howard Valery. You see I've
read about 1t In the papers" The
sweet drowsy air was sitting now.
"Rocky-that's what the girl In
Tanges called me-Mrs. Valeryl
heard the Val-and thought she said
Du Val-because-oh / wanted so
dreadfully to be-.
His arms enclosed her. did your
Oh Doris did your You're SO sweet,
Doris"
She chung to him desperately. Then
momentary peace swept her Rocky
was her friend. .Rockyl' In his
arms she seemed SAFE His warm
cheeks touched hers, bringing magic.
LET me take care of you forever"
whispered Rocky.
The words were very sweet. The
green mystery of the yew arbor held
them calmly. They were oblIvious to
the gay voices beyond getting ready
for the wedding rehearsal.
you've seen my family7'
He nodded. your father and your
mother-your sister and your uncle"
.What were they like?"
They were nice. They love you,
Doris"
She wrinkled her brows. This I'M
known family was hard to visualize.
"You mean they still love-DIane
Merrell?''
Eyes. And they don't believe you
did It."
''But-the papers say"
Eyes. The evidence Is all against
) yon. The Valery family will do every
thing In their power Toto convict
you
why does my family think am
inneeent7n
Rocky looked down at her ringless
hand "They have no reason. They
believe only beeause-they love you
the same reason that believe"
Their eyes held. Out of the black
terrible depths Doris felt waves Of
light and Joy bearing her upward.
Rocky loved her. Els face touched
hers with dreamllke closeness.
Everything else was shut away. He
loved her. Doris, darling Doris.
love you. I've always loved you.
Don't be unhappy. Let me take care
OF you-always."
Rocky was speaking like that. He
loved her. He had always loved her.
She had never been so happy.
"But Rocky"
His lips brushed the rest tenderly
from her lips. do you love me?"
They kissed. Rocky knew now.
She did love him. No matter what she
would say. no matter what she had
done. He would know that. He would
always know
But he was asking her. Doris,
dearest Doris, do you love me?"
He wanted an answer. He must
have an answer. Did she love him or
was 1t only that she needed him so
badly? There was no doubt. Rocky
darling she whispered, Il do love
you. YOU'RE
Rocky's face flushed into smile
I'm happy" he finished for her softly.
She caught Rocky's shoulder. "You
haven't told me yeti You haven't told
me what's troubling you. You're ter
ribly upset about something"
He looked, stricken with misery. at
the grass. Doris he began, 1--WE
talked to your family. They sent you
this
He drew back from her, still hold
Ing her, and felt In his pocket. He
drew out long wallet.
Doris took 1t wonderingly. Inside
were many bills--one or two docu-
ments. Money!" said Doris.
Eyes. Your father wants you to go
away. It's passport there-that pa.
per. | had some trouble getting it
but your father knew man al Wash
ington. That's why I wasn't back
yesterday"
you mean my family wants me to
run away?"
Rocky hesitated "Your uncle Is
doctor-a specialist In. well--ln things
just like what you've got"
You mean brain diseases?"
"Well-yes. But your brain is all
right. Anyway | talked to him. We
had consultation about it, and he
said that 1t was sure suicide for you
to give yourself up"
She looked at him haggardly. "But
they'd kill me anyway for what did,
wouldn't they? | suppose | deserve It.
l took that-that young mans life"
No, they'd probably be able to get
you off-well you're young ana don't
think jury would convict you-at
least once they'd seen yoli--there
would be good chance Of your get
ting off. But your brain couldn't
stand it."
And I'm to live the rest of my life
wanted by the police?"
He held her closely. you're going
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