Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-01-27

|
Hc Sd,U DOndld's face under the lOlt
| drdtcn hat.
seeking the congenial though it meant
wreckage, and no had mentally washed
his hands of him long ago. just because
he was q brother and dependent he had
retained him ON The Citizen despite his
lapses, paying him for what work lie
handed in, never questioning him, let
ting him entirely alone. He had always
viewed two things as hopeless-a wom-
an with a hobby, man with vice.
There was no lasting virtue in reforma-
ton. He had seen so many failures even
when men and women hungered for the
good they were not strong enough to
grasp. And now Donald-the old story
It was pity. Tho years behind him
were his future temptation. There is
shock in a fall, but step to familiar
conditions is easy enough.
He fingered his cigar uneasily, almost
at loss for words.
"1'm sorry you were weak, Donald, "
and the words. despite his effort. had a
fat, stereotyped ring, "but you mustn Z
fancy it's hopeless. You must just be-
gin the battle over again."
Donald's eyes fell, q faint smile play
ed over his face.
$50 she said." and he looked up
shrinkingly at Anne's window. "She
can't save me, nor can any one else. ]
must save myself. That's what she said
when she sent me away tonight must
save myself. l tried before-I was so
sure--so sure-so happy. But when
temptation got to a climax it was like
paper house trying to get the better
Of flame. You wouldn't bet Gu the
paper house. would your" he said
sharply.
"Get away from the fame.
Suppose you carry it with You night
and day. night and day, here. here,
here?" he called out, his hand tight
upon his breast.
His expression changed to stolid
gloom, and he looked past David.
"Only for her I'd give it all up and
60 to the devil without o regret. ]
didn't mind SO much before knew her.
Now when I know what poor thing l
am why can't I forget that she cares
what happens to me, 60 away. quench
this damnable torture by satisfying it
and die, the sooner the better? Why
can't do it?" and his voice rose and
quivered, but sank again to whisper.
II can't. can't. No one else cares a
hang what becomes of me, but as long
as she cares I've got to try in spite of
myself. I've got to try and suffer and
deserve little her belief in me-"
He laid his arm along the icy bars
and let his head fall upon it. David
thought Of his late self congratulation
and contented review of his life, and
the sight Of this tormented soul was
terrible.
"Look here, Donald, this is all non.
sense. You mustn't take this lapse SO
seriously. You must forget it and start
anew" and he pulled at the bent shout
der, his tone encouraging. "That'
what you must do. And you mustn' t
think no one cares but Anne, be added
softly, his hand Tightening where it
lay. II care very much"
| your
Donald lifted his head and looked at
David steadily.
eyes, I. Don't forget that. No one
was more glad than I when you started
in to make something of yourself. /
pity you now. By and by I want to be
proud Of you. Don't say you have no
friend but Anne Garrick. I hope you'll
deserve her good opinion. But. remem.
ber, count on you too. WEI do any
thing In the world to help you. Don t
you believe it?'
He held out his hand. Donald looked
at 1t. but did not stir. There was al.
most irresistible magnetism in David 9
kindling eyes, and Donald had always
stealthily loved him. But he could not
touch the proffered hand. much as he
longed to. It would be renouncing too
sweet revenge.
"Won't you take my hand?''
"No," he said insolently. "What
have You ever been to me that should
fiatter this poetic impulse Of yours-this
impulse now-that means nothing?''
Chagrin and uneasiness seized David
his hand fell.
"I'm sincere. What do you mean?"
| "You care what becomes Of me? You
sare for my contemplate existence?
Your
He stood erect, buttoning his coat
tightly across his breast, his eyes bril-
liant and dry.
"You seem skeptical," and David
tone was uncertain In a way most IN
usual for him. believe it or not, I'm
ready to help you now or at any time. "
"Oh, are your" said Donald slowly,
nodding his head. "Your generosity
comes too late. This is strange place
to have this matter out between us.
never supposed I'd speak of myself to
you, but I'm not myself tonight. You,
too, seem to have undergone q wonder
full change. The words You speak are
unfamiliar. Why didn't you say years
ago what you've said tonight? Did you
ever think Of the difference between us
what love and care can make of a
boy, what soorn and intolerance can
make of him? There were nights when
1 thought I'd 60 mad from sheer loneli-
ness. and you, full of your schemes and
pleasures, never gave me a thought.
Nv haapk ckoryal g. =