Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-08-10

self into the sea on the instant Love her.
man? Love her? Why. my love for her
passes the comprehension of dozen men
like you"
This was painful and personal, but I
preserved my balance
1T Is easy for you to talk" Che was a
iawyer), replied, but you are not select
Ing the proper text. Ethyl Lynn for weeks
mas been to me the one woman IN the
world, and would give my life gladly to
win her. Already we have talked over the
future that is opening so happily before u.s.
ana we nave gazed rapturously along the
rose-leafeG path which we shall follow
hand in hand to the end of our days"
L am sure Brent thought 1 was lying to
MIN, but, fortunately, he did not say So
AT mat moment l was desperate, and 1t
would have taken very little for me to
become factcr in a twilight tragedy down
by the sounding sea.
Mr.. Brent" said, REFRESHING NV indip-
nation, you have traduced this lady, and
DO not want to hear more from YOU
have not :raduced her more than you
nave, sir" he retorted. 1T does not ira
duce woman for an honest man to say
he loves her.
Thank you,' said l. much to his cur
prise at the neat turn had given his re-
mark.
And why shouldn't have thanked him?
l, at least was an honest man. and 1 loved
Ethyl Lynn with all my soul.
Brent was an interloper and I was GER
tain Of it. He had the specious manner of
the man of that character
Mr. Brent" 1 continued, seeing that he
was silent. you have made certain state
ments this evening concerning a lady which
must be shown to be true or you will have
to answer for them to me-
This was almost declaration of war, and
made 1t with some degree of nervousness
but it had to be done
very well, SIR" he replied, confidently,
Il think can satisfy you that am speak
ing the TRUTH and he took from his pocket
a delicate little note and handed it TO me
ft,Ny1l a
it appointed meeting with Mr. Brent that
evening al o'clock.
was it possible that had made a mistake
| in understanding her to say hat she would
also meet me that evening at the same
time?
This was possible fer I know that when
Nsae tod me to come was in such a state
of rapture as scarcely to be responsible
This role.' / said, after 1 had glanced
over il by the tight of Brert's cigar, for 1t
was already dark. ''snens to entitle you to
others to be satisfied in this matter"
Rather. should say" he said with the
air Of triumphant conqueror. Can you
show cause why you are here, Mr.. Hite?"
None. SIR l said, Drawing 1t out as best
I could. Except my verbal statement, and
I hardly think Mr.. Brent will say that 1
am liar"
1T is not necessary for Mr.. Bren, to say
what he believes" he replied, and / never
felt so like hitting a man in my life, but
re ira ned my belligerency.
Neither IS 1t necessary Tor two gentle
men within sight Of a lady's house to be-
come common street brawiers," ! retorted
with great dignity.
Another time is better" and there was
was threat in his voice.
"Quite SO. Mr. Brent. Now let us go on
to Miss Iynn's cottage and submit the
matter to her.
LAS You please, Mr.. Hite.".
We walked on in silence. A storm was
rising. the black clouds were banking up in
the west: there were flashes of lightning
and the angry muttering of thunder, but
all of i. was a Nav morning to the storm
that was raging within us. We walked
some distance apart, Iut met at last, at the
gate of the cottage, end stopping there an
instant. waiting which one should lift the
latch. there came brilliant lightning flash
which Illuminated the whole front of the
cottage 1t lasted not an instant of time,
but it was enough.
Seated on the piazza was Miss Lynn--my
Ethyl. Brent's Ethyl, our Ethyll-and
Jack Harper, a young dude both of US de-
spsed from the bottom of our hearts, and
Jacks arm was around her.
We saw it sll and heard her little scream
as she saw us. and then the darkness came
down thicker than ever.
l put out my hand to the latch of the
gate and Brents hand was there.
But we did not lift the latch.
We squeezed each others hands as broth
erS in a common woe and went back to the
hotel. arm in arm.