Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-03-07

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times Turns the current Of his life the
wrong way. I've shirked my own duty
pretty thoroughly, and the knowledge
hasn't added wrinkle to my brow,
but am moral outlaw by nature. be-
heying in the happy philosophy that
nothing matters much. You are differ
ent. You cannot ignore your RESPONSE
bilities without suffering. It's merely .
matter Of temperament, do you under
stand:'
Perfectly. What am to do?''
"Come now, not that istless tone.
You are to write to your wife tonight,
urging her to return. You are to write
a letter that will soften her heart, make
her realize that you need her. You are
10 offer the most gracious terms for a rec
onciliation. She'll cry over it, and be
in your arms before two days have
passed"
1t was ON his lips to say bitterly, lyon
do not know her, but he checked the
impulse.
She was still his wife, and he must
shield her
IN do what you advise, Mrs. Vent
nor; it's very good Of you''-and he
started up, for it was unbearable to sit
there longer-'very good Of you"-and
his voice was a little husky-'to forget
q foolish woman's burst of temper. I
am sorry. deeply sorry this thing &C.
curred.''
"Not another word about it," insist
ed Mrs. Ventnor playfully. ''And, oh.
by the way, I have not told you about the
house. We have arranged to rent it, fur
nished, to friend for the remainder of
the lease. You'll only have us to bother
you little longer. I've put off going
away until Tuesday. Marian will join
me in New York on Wednesday. The
new tenant, a very pleasant man and
an artist, will come at the end of the
week. It-er-would be wise, think,
to mention our approaching departure
to your wife,
These words meant only one thing to
Hugh. Tho woman he loved was going
away sooner than he had thought, and
forever. Better SO, but his heart was
like ice
He said good night to Mrs. Ventnor,
and Marian met him ON the threshold.
She went with him into the hall and
stood by his side. The door was open to
the lilac scented air that swept i'll in
moist breaths. The darkening sky rolled
away, glare Of green at the west.
"Not good night" came in a whis-
per from Marian's lips. mo, it is good
by. Goodby, my friend.
And as they stood so, face to face in
the fragrant gloom, the peace of the
hour crept in, weaving spell of sepa-
rateness from the world around them.
The spirit OF the night seemed listening
to their words.
But the peace availed Hugh nothing.
Something seemed choking him. Words
were impossible. The torment and sad
ness in his eyes deepened into an unut-
terable farewell.
Marian had thrust one hand back
ward. and it clutched at the folds of a
portiere. but her body leaned toward
him and her eyes rested on his.
do you know how much owe you?
Have you thought? Everything. Yes,
everything. Oh, You have been the one
good in my life! You are dear to me.
May I not say it frankly? I shall miss
you-oh. how I shall miss you. But that
you may not suffer must go away"
Then something in Hugh's heart broke
through restraint. The foodgates of his
soul seemed to open, and a sob that was
a prayer carried with it part of his
life.
Marian
''No, don't say it. Don'tp' And she
turned away, shielding her face against
her extended arm. but not before Hugh
had read there marvellous thing.
She loved him-Marian loved him.
"Please go away, please go!'' she
prayed, shrinking from him.
Without word he went from her
presence, blind and deaf to the beauty
Of the night
fro BE CONTINUED