THE LOVE CHASE. CHAPTER XXXIV.-(Continued.)

Otago Witness, Issue 2511, 30 April 1902, Page 59

THE LOVE CHASE.

CHAPTER XXXIV.-(Continued.)

By ESTHER MILLER,

Author of "Should She Have Spoken?* "The Quicksands of Life," etc., etc.

[Copyright.]

AVILLE freed himself from hit wife's embrace and rose. " No," be said, decidedly. "It can't be. Yon must bo satisfied with the original bargain." " You shan't go away without me, Saville," she said, erect and quivering. "I won't give you up." " My dear, you can't give up what you never had." "I will follow you to the end of the world and pefter ycm till .you consent ! " " You will let me alone and leave U3 both a little self-respect." " vSaville ! "' she whined. "This is the end." Her lips moved. She looked inlo his eyes and checked the words on her tongue. "For always?" she whispered, very white. "For always— as far as I know now. He picked up his hat and coat. " Shall I see you to the door?" "I can find my own way, thank \ou. ' " Good-bye, Laura," he said, a little huskily, offering her his hand. She would not take it. " Don't bear malice." She kissed him instead. Ho paid the bill, and went downstairs, and out of the restaurant. Nothing had ever ' been so unreal to him as this lnvid interview. The memory of it weighed him down like a nightmare. He was sony for the woman, but he knew that he had done light. Already it was impossible for him to understand how he could have hesitated. What would Hilda think of him if he were ever &o blest as to be able to kneel in confession at her feet ! A few preparations for departure occupied him for the rest of the afternoon, and in the evening a note from D?lbiac. acknowledging the receipt of a copy of the marriage certificate, enclosed a cheque for the £10.000. The next day he sailed for India. He had not even said good-bye to Ronald and Sloane.