The Argosy — page 208: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Winifred Power. IgI a lot which is among the hardest on earth. These were my ‘pre- tences’ in presenting myself. Can you show them to have been false ?” she asked, bitterly. ‘You have done all that could have been asked from you —-—— and more,” he replied, and his tone had grown earnest. ‘‘Then why do you seek to drive me from a refuge when my life is blameless ; where I find happiness and peace?” she asked im- petuously, turning to him with kindling eyes. Swiftly, before she could guess his purpose, he took her hand She tried to release it; then feeling all the power of the strong and quiet grasp, stayed her struggling, but stood away from him, silent, rigid, and defiant. **T do not wish to drive you away,” he said gently ; “far less do I seek to know your secrets. All I would like you to do is to go to Mr. Graham and state your position to him, whatever it may be, frankly and clearly.” ‘‘T have done nothing to be ashamed of,” cried Gertrude: then repented of the words before they had fairly left her lips. Where was her pride that she should seek to justify herself to him P “That is all the more reason why you should confide in Mr. Graham.” ; Twill not ; no, I will not,” exclaimed Gertrude; in reality filled once more with the vague, over-wrought terror that had driven her from The Limes. Why were they advertising for her? Who was it wanted her? Had the inquest been resumed? Were fresh facts turning into false witnesses against her? ‘The fatal love of mystery, that dodged her natural astuteness always and blighted it like a baleful shadow, again rose supreme within her. She would disclose nothing; place herself in no man’s power; she would go away once more—anywhere ; anywhere—but not to Ralph Mercer. Andas she came to this determination, she put her head back haughtily with a movement habitual to her, and plunged her glance into Dr. Kenyon’s steady grey eyes that had never quitted her face. “What do you mean to do, Miss Dallas ? ” “Something that will gratify you,” answered Gertrude, angrily. Will you please to let go my hand?” | He dropped it abruptly, raised his hat, bowed, and without a word further—left her. (Zo be continued. ) GOMIIGIOOKS (CO)