Rose O'Paradise Part 86

She had kept the papers from him purposely, playfully pretending she would rather give him an account of the court proceedings. When she described how another man had confessed to the shooting, Theodore felt a glad thrill that the cobbler was exonerated. Later Molly decided she would tell him about Morse, but never that she had married him. It was she who suggested, after a time of silence:

"Theodore, don't you think a little trip would do us all good? Your mother's been so worried over you----"

"Where would we go?" he asked, without interest.

"Anywhere to get away from Bellaire for a season."

"We might consider it," he replied reluctantly. Then he fell to thinking of a blue-eyed girl, of the letter,--that puzzling letter she had sent him. When he could bear his thoughts no longer, he got up and walked away under the trees, and Molly allowed him to go. She watched him strolling slowly, and was happy. He had been so sweet, so kindly, almost thrilling to her of late. She would make him love her.

It would be but a matter of a few weeks if she could get him away from Bellaire. Just at that moment Mrs. King's bell rang, and she went into the house. When she came back, Theodore was sitting on the veranda reading a letter, with another one unopened on his knee. The sight of his white face brought an exclamation from her lips.

"Theodore!" she cried.

He reminded her she was standing by saying:

"Sit down!"

This she was glad to do, for her knees trembled. Her eyes caught the handwriting on the unopened letter, resting like a white menace on Theodore's lap. She saw her own name upon it, but dared not, nor had she the strength, to ask for it.

At length, with a long breath, Theodore looked at her steadily.

"This letter is for you," he said, picking up her own. "Open it and then--give it to me."

Never had she heard such tones in his voice, nor had she ever been so thoroughly frightened. Mechanically she took the letter, tore open the flap, and read the contents:

"DEAR MISS MERRIWEATHER:

"After you left the shop, I decided to do as you wanted me to. I shall go back to Mottville, and afterwards Peggy and Lafe will come to me.

I'll keep my promise and won't see Theodore. I hope you will make him happy.

JINNIE GRANDOKEN."

Molly crushed the paper between her fingers.

"Don't do that," commanded Theodore sharply. "Give it to me."

"It's mine," murmured Molly, lacking breath to speak aloud.

"Give it to me!" thundered Theodore.

And because she dared not disobey, she slowly extended the letter.

With deliberation the man spread out the crumpled page and read it through slowly. Then once more he took up his own letter and perused it.

"DEAR MR. KING:

"I'm going back to my home in the hills to-morrow. I'm so glad you're better. I thank you for all you've done for Lafe and Peggy, and hope you'll always be happy. For what you did for me I can't thank you enough, but as soon as I get my money, I'll send back all you've advanced for my lessons and other things. I'm praying all the time for you.

"JINNIE GRANDOKEN SINGLETON."

Sudden tears almost blotted the signature from Theodore's vision.

On the spur of the moment he picked up both letters and thrust them into his pocket.

"Come upstairs with me," he ordered the woman staring at him with frozen features.

Molly followed him as in a dream, preceding him when he stepped aside to allow her to enter the little sitting-room, where of late she had pa.s.sed so many pleasant hours. Then as he closed the door, he whirled upon her.

"Now I want the meaning of those letters. Have you seen Miss Grandoken?"

"Yes!" She could say no more.

"When?"

"Yesterday."

"There's something I don't know. Ah! That's why you kept the papers from me." Quickly he turned to the bell.

"Theodore!" gasped Molly. "Wait! Wait! Don't--don't ring! I'll tell you; I will!"

He pressed the bell b.u.t.ton savagely.

"I wouldn't believe you under oath," he muttered.

"I want all this week's papers, and I want 'em quick!" he snapped at the servant. "Every one! Last night's too!"

He walked to the window, but turned again as a knock came upon the door.

"I can't find the papers, sir," excused the maid.

"Wait!" Theodore closed the door, exclaiming in white heat, "Molly, where are those papers?"

"In my room," replied Molly sulkily.

Mr. King gave the order, and again they were behind closed doors.

Molly made a sorry picture of shame when Theodore looked at her.

"I'll get to the bottom of this if it kills me," he said wearily.

"Theo, Theo, don't read the papers!" she gasped. Then she fell forward at his feet. "I love you, dear; I love you."