I have not asked Miss Sheraton to
release me from my engagement. I shall feel honored if she will now
accept my hand. I shall be glad if she will set the date early as may
be."
Night was now coming swiftly from the hills.
Ellen turned to pass back toward the door. "Your pardon!" I exclaimed to
Grace Sheraton, and sprang after Ellen.
"Good-by," I said, and held out my hand to her. "Let us end all these
heroics, and do our best. Where is your husband? I want to congratulate
him."
"My husband!" she said in wonder. "What do you mean?"
Night, I say, was dropping quickly, like a shroud spread by a mighty
hand.
"Belknap--" I began.
"Ah," she said bitterly. "You rate me low--as low as I do you!"
"But your father told me himself you two were to be married," I broke
out, surprise, wonder, dread, rebellion now in every fiber of my body
and soul.
"My father loves me dearly," she replied slowly. "But he cannot marry me
until I wish. No, I am not married, and I never will be. Good-by."
Again I heard my own horrible laughter.
Night had fallen thick and heavy from the mountains, like a dark, black
shroud.
CHAPTER XLII
FACE TO FACE
I did not see Colonel Meriwether.
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