Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1901-02-01
The World Against Him
BY WILL N. HARDEN.
Copyright, 1900 by
A.. Kellogg Newspaper Company.
CHAPTER XVII.-CoNT1NUED.


Hasbrooke paused; he was not look
ing at Ronald, who had covered his
face with both his hands and sat as
still as statue.
"God forgive me if 1 have given you
needless PAIN" said the colonel. 81
would not have spoken if 1 could have
seen airy other way of making my
awful fears clear to you. Fanshaw, if
these things were not true of your
people. and you had not a dollar to
your name, should, seeing how my
daughter loves you, turn over to you
and her all the property which is to
60 to her at my death. AS God is my
judge, wish 1 could end it all by Civ
ing her to you, but 1 cannot! 1 SIM
ply cannot!"
Ronald rose to his feet; he reeled
little as he reached for his hat, which
lay on the desk.
81 have really never hoped to win
her." he said, unsteadily. "You are
right. 1t ought never to be. Children
OF mine shall never live to curse the
world! L see my duty to her-to you.
May God have mercy on mel"
The music had ceased; there was a
light step outside and Evelyn suddenly
opened the door, pausing on the
threshold with an exclamation of sur
prise.
II did not know" here she broke
off as her eyes fell to studying her
lovers agonized face. Papa" she
asked, coming forward and standing
between the two men, "what does this
mean?'
The old man collected his senses
slowly.
Daughter" he said, after an awk-
ward pause, 81 have sent for Mr.. Fan
shaw to consult with him in regard to
fhe welfare of you both, and together
after talking it all over-we, have
come to "a mutual agreement that the
idea of marriage between you-ever,
at any time-would be unwise-is not
to be thought Of"
Evelyn fastened a questioning, half
61istrustful gaze on her lover.
do you think it would be better for
you to give me up?" were her words.
each delivered after little incred-
ulous halt. you see, Ronald, I have
never known whether 1 could be a
help 10 you. If you should want me,
I would be ready to stand by you
through trouble, adversity-every-
thing that might come; but you are
the man; you know best, and if'' Cher
eyes went darting from one rigid face
TO the other) ''if-'' she made an
other beginning, but broke down and
put her handkerchief to her eyes.
Her breast heayed high.
Hasbrooke nodded despairingly to
Ronald and the latter took the hint.
+, circumstances beyond our control
make it advisable that we should sep
arate." he said, automatically.
She uncovered her face, disclosing
no trace of tears. Am l to be told
about the-the circumstances?
''They concern only myself" an
swered Ronald, with another glance at
her father. II would rather not speak
of them"
Every well, then" she drew herself
mp erect. II may as well say good
by AS she gave him her hand the
eyes of her father flashed with subtle
pride, but the next moment he had
another glimpse of her Utmost soul
A'iemember, Ronald" she said. "tha1
i shall never kneel down without
praying for you. Remember that
shall never love another man as long
as I live!'
He bowed low; he tried to say some
thing. but the ball in his throat rose
ard choked him. He heard the dool
close and knew she was gone.
Like an automaton, Hasbrooks
moved forward and laid his two hand.
ON the shoulders of the crushed youns
man.