Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1890-07-18

between four WgLLs.
BY CURTIS YoRKE.

BY CURTIS YoRKE.
He stcnd quite still where she had LETT
hih- The room seemed to grow sud-
denly dark. He CROPPED his way to a
chair and sat down. III he dies my
heart will break!" The sweet, childish
tones, vibrating with a new fierce note
OF woman's passion, rang in his ears
still He had half suspected for the last
day or two that Darrell cared for Leslie,
but never that she cared for him
never. He hid his face on his arm, feel.
ing curiously tired and sick He sat
quito still for some time, and when he
raised his head his blue eyes were n little
misty. and his lips were trembling.
Now, If any one had had leisure to
think OF the weather this morning. they
would have noticed that the wind had
changed during the night, and that it
was thawing rapidly. Carruthers' at:cn-
ton was drawn to tl.:s fact by a stray
sunbeam shining on the opposite wall,
and it strengthened his already half
formed resolution.
Poor little soll!" lie muttered, as the
girls great despairing eyes seemed again
to look into his. "Wcll-her heart snail
not break II can help it."
he rose, crossed the hall, and entered
tho sick mans room. Darrell was lying
quite still, seeming to breath with pain
full difficulty. His eyes were closed, but
he opened them as Carruthers came to
the bedside. The latter bent over him,
and moistened his lips with brandy.
Darrell thanked him with . look. he
was past speaking now. Carruthers re-
pienished the fire, and went slowly out
Of the room; then he got on his boots,
wrapped himself In his overcast, and
provided himself with stout walking
stick. Az he passed the door Of Leslie's
room he paused, fancying he heard
sound Of stifled sobbins. But as
he moved away the door opened
and ths girl came out Her eyes
were swollen and she was very pale, but
on seeing Carruthers shs Aushed up sud-
denly. He took her hands in his and
dry her gently into the sitting room.
II am going to Princetown to get a
DOCTOR" he said very quietly. ut is
thawing rapidly, % / dare say shall
manage very well Shall you Be- afraid
to be left alone-until I retuznr"
Mono" she answered with . little
sob "Oh. Mr.. Carruthers. forgive me
Tor my ha&y words!-forgst all eaid-
/ did not"-
&'sMy dear" be said uasteadfly, II have
nothing to forgive"
''She hesitated . moment, then she
said, with earnest, troubled eyes raised
to bis:
May l-may take care Of him till
you come backi He-he might die there.
oil alone. And" eagerly, "you need not
BE- afraid Of infection for me. l had
diphthefia oncs long ago. And WINS
with my cousin when abe died, and /
never took It." There was . pathetic
quivering Of the tender little mouth that
was almost too much for Carruthers. He
passed his hand YEARLY over his fore
head
1T Is an awful risk for you" he said
In q haEassed kind Of voice. "But-l
must go-it b the only chance for the
dear old fellow; and, a you cay, liz
ought not to BE- left alone. hopc
saiali only b away . few hours
q : fusthcst: but II should not
get hack before dark. win you light the
little lantern and put Il In the loft win
dow7 don't know thar there b much
you can do for Darrell. no went on with
. half break In his voice. '.except eiyo
him , spooaful Of brandy from time to
time, II you can ct him 10 take it.
There isn't much. bat I viii bring some
back viii, me. And-keep away from
him a much a you can; there b no use
running any needless risk" He tried to
Ink and spnak ~ saanal.--hnk ha DID MT
succeed very we'll
Leslie looked At him anxiously.
'.Yop ars not IN. too. are your she
"Oh no. he answered, IN : quiet voice.
.Now. good-by for . few hours. No.
don't COME to the door: Il 3 too cold for
you."
A. be spoke. no pulled his tweed cap
veil over his forehead, and buttoned his
coat up to his neck.
God 49, Jon, my DARLING" hs suur.
nsfsd endsr his bssath, . he turned
away. Then bs passsd out into he chill
Air q ths wintse morning. He had
athsr. ths Wind had ben . LITTLE iess
Eeen. tor HI head ached, and his throat
~ abominably sti2 and oues. But i,e
pulled himself together. and plunred