Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19

|
present at some social function at the
Hub, and she was still unmarried. He
had dared hope little then. If the Big
Penny should turn out we'll! She had
loved him once, and she was still unmar-
ried. But now
He groaned aloud and his Qlivering
| lips whispered brokenly:
"Marva! Marvia"
1t was Christmas eve. Chinatown was
all ablaze with light. The glare Of the
electric lights mingled with the more
subdued light Of innumerable Chinese Ian
terms presented striking. fantastic scene
as quaint and novel to unaccustomed
eyes as it was picturesque.
A gay party Of Eastern tourists visit
! ing San Francisco were stunning in
Chinatown.
"Oh, Marvia, do look at that odd little
mite Of humanity" cried bright-faced
girl as toddling Chinese baby, gorgeous
in magnificent attire, was led past by his
proud mother.
A tall woman wrapped in silks and fur
turned with a swift smile at the impetu-
GUS exclamation and said in sweet.
well-modulated voice:
"He is an odd little mite. certainly"
At her words a man. shabby to the last
degree, standing in the shadow Of the
Chinese theater, started suddenly and
leaned forward. The light fell full upon
his white face and emaciated form. He
trembled violently and involuntarily
stretched out his hand. A passionate
hunger burned in his sunken eyes. Sud
denly he withdrew his hand and shrank
back into the shadows, his face convuls-
ed with pain.
"Marvia" he whispered. but it was
only whisper.
What is it, Marvia? You look as if
you had seen a ghost" cried the bright
faced girl in establishment.
But Marvia Belknap did not heed the
question. Her eyes were dark with ex-
element and her face white to the lips.
She pushed her friends hand aside and
stepped within the shadow of the thea
| ter.
Phillip" she cried in low voice.
But the man who had stood there but
a moment before had vanished.
Philip Bronson dragged himself wear
lily up the rickety stairs to his wretched,
comfortless room. A week before he had
drifted aimessly to San Francisco, where
n relapse Of his illness had taken his lit
tie remaining strength and money. And
tonight he had looked into heaven-one
brief look, and then, like the brave man
that he was. he had turned resolutely
away from it. He had not heard that
cry. he had not seen the tenderness in the
eyes Of the only woman he had ever loved.
He had only seen her in her beauty. pros
porous. happy and beloved, while he was
an ontcast.
How long and steep the stairs were!
lie climbed on YEARLY. a hopeless look
| in his eyes. His face was set and pitt
full. He entered his room and threw him.
mirthless laugh.
ut is Bronson's luck again." he NUT
tered, and fell into weak sobbing-the
sobs of heart-broken man.
He did not hear the steps on the stairs
nor the sound of low voices outside. nor
did he know that the door was pushed
softly open. He did not hear the rustic
Of silken garments on the bare floor. as
woman with the divine compassion Of
| angels in her face. and a great light Of
love shining in her eyes. crossed the room
| A moment later she was on her knees
by the bed.
"Philip." she whispered.
He started and turned in amazement.
His face worked piteously, and cry
| broke from him, a cry Of love, humilia-
| ton, shame md longing.
"Marvia! IL saw you'll could not
| stay"
! He broke off suddenly. the tears rolled
down his shrunken face.
| She took his hand and held it tightly. a
world of tenderness and reproach in her
eyes.
How could you run away from me.
| Philip? Did you not know | would fol-
low you? Why have you not allowed
me to know where you were-that you
were i'll and in trouble? Why did you
give me back my freedom? ! did not
ask for it,"
81 failed in everything. Marvia," he
said chokingly. II was always in hard
luck. had nothing to offer you. I am
| hopeless failure. But-thank heaven
| have seen you once more. Marvia-and
now, dear, thank you for coming. but
Il cannot accept your pity"
She bent over him suddenly. and put
| ting her arms about him. drew his head
to her breast.
"Phlip!' she said softly. ut is Christ
mas day-listen to the bells! IL never
gave you Christmas gift yet. dear. but
| give you one now. 1t is myself. Philip.
Do not refuse 1.-THE only gift ever Of
fered you'll have loved you SO long,
DEAR
And Philip. lifting passionate. hungry
eyes to her face, saw Paradise.
"Is-this-the way-that women lover
| he asked in a whisper.
| Raising his wasted arms, he put them
about her neck. The shabby coat sleeve
rested against the rich fur at her throat.
He laughed feebly.
"Dronson's luck has changedw