The Princeton union., 1900-04-12

CIl{Ee6
much as you. Remember that. I shall
not have one moments peace. Already
feel like an old woman. Where are
you going, Ronald? %
He told her calmly enough.
ST guess that is best-if anything
can be BEST" she said, bitterly. ST
know where the sheriff lives. Get in
the cart with me; I shall drive there,
| it is only a mile"
THAT will never do" he drew back:
"your father
She shrugged a shoulder, and took
up the reins in pair of suddenly firm
| hands.
Gas if T could think of my father
when you are in such distress. Ishould
be ashamed of myself if I lost one min
ute with you between now and"
'But," he broke in, IT have never felt
that I had the right to-even your
friendship-it would be unheard of, it
would-oh! you see it would be unman-
| 1y of me, at such time, particularly,
to allow young girl to compromise"
! ut would be unmanly of you to re-
fuse to let me see you as long as pos-
sible, when your calamity is killing me.
Oh, do come!"
| her melting eyes seemed to draw him
outside of himself. AS he took his seat
beside her a sweet sense of her sym-
pathy took possession of him and
warmed him through and through. A
momentary feeling of elation bounded
and thumped in his breast as the little
bay pony started back along the road
at a brisk trot. She was first to speak.
| why have you never told me before
! that you loved mc?''
Because" he made answer. 81 have
| hardly felt that had the right to tel,
myself so. [ have been fighting it ever
since [ first saw you that day in the
| meadow"
You are different from me, Ronald"
He read vast truth in her deep, despair
ing eyes. II have never for one instant
| fought my love for you. I have gloried
in it's growth. I'd rather go to prison
with you than to a. palace with any
| other man.
The road was very shady; large trees
grew on each side of it and their foliage
was interlaced overhead. BE had a
strong inclination to clasp her in his
arms, but he did not give in to it; he told
himself that his bloodstained hands
should not pollute her being. Already
he was taking advantage of her in al
lowing her to drive with him when to
be seen with him at such time would
excite widespread comment. BE made
no answer to what she had just said and
in looking in her face he saw that her
eyes were full of tears.
What is the matter?'' he asked.
Her breast heaved convulsively.
! 1t has occurred to me that I am driy-
ing you to prison." she said, simply.
the last word ending in a sob.
He would have comforted her if he
could. but there was nothing in his
mind to say. The awful realization was
stealing back upon him that in killing
sgd Hart he had bGghted his whole fu-
ture, covered the sun of his hopes will.
human blood. They drove out into ar.
open space where cotton-felds
stretched out on one side. Behind them
now loomed the white facade of Carn-
leigh. 4 score of negroes were picking
cotton beyond the rail fence, but they
did not look up. Ronald was corgratu-
lating himself on this, knowing that
the sheriff lived only little further on,
but his elaion on this score was short
of life, for just then horseman ap-
| peared in front of them. 1t was Capt
Winkle, riding like an Englshman, ris-
ing and falling in his stirrups. AS his
trotting horse brought him swiftly
| nearer he lifted his hat and bowed to
| Evelyn. Evidently he had recognized
Ronald and he showed much surprise.
Looking back our hero saw that he had
reined his horse in and was staring
after them in bewildered fashion.
Evelyn gave her companion a. COM
prehensive glance. Never mind," she
| said, he'll tell everybody he knows
that he has seen us together, but you
and have other things to think about,
VIII my love console you at all?"
More than anything in the world.''
We'll, remember.' they are now in
sight OF the sheriff's house. a FIVE
roomed erection with porch over
which clambered a wealth of vines,
! creme mber that I shall be thinking of
you every minute
''Thank you for that he said, aud
added: II might as we'll get out here
and walk up to the house."
Her only answer was to whip up the
pony: her face was pinched by pain as
she drew up at the gate in front of the
| house. He got out.
"Goodby." he said.
! She held out her hand.
'Good-by," she echoed, and as he took
her hand he felt her quivering fingers
tighten round his own. II am going to
| pray for you night and day." she said.
And then she turned her pony and drove
slowly homeward. AS he was entering
the gate, he saw her stop and look
back; then she signaled him to come to
her. Obeying, he found her face wet
with tears.
'Is there nothing | can do for you7'
she questioned.
He reflected, and then:
!