The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1901-12-21

as Quaint sra novel to HaaeeustOmed
/ eyes as Il 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 humanityr' cried a 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 d swift smile At the tmpetu-
Gus exclamation and said in a sweet,
well-modulated voice;
/ He is an odd little mite, certainly"
At her words 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 cmaciated form. He
trembled violently and involuntarily
stretched out his haul A passionate
hunger burned in his sunken eyes, sub
denly he withdrew his hand and shrank
back into the shadows, his face convuls-
ed with pain.
"Marviay' he whispered. but 1t was
( only whisper
What is it. Marvia? You look as il
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 aud
stepped within the shadow Of the thea
ter.
Phillip" she cried in a 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,
cOmrOrtleSs room. A week before he had
drifted aimlessly to San Francisco. where
a relapse Of his illness had taken his lit
tie remaining strength and money. AMI
tonight he had looked into heaven--one
brief look, and then, like the brave man
that he was, he had turned resolutely
away from 1t. 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 Outcast.
How long and steep the stairs were.
He climbed on YEARLY. a hopeless look
in his eyes. His face was set and pitt
full He entered his room and threw him
self on the bed suddenly be gave u
mirthless laugh
1t is Bronson's luck again" he NUT
tered, and fell into weak sobbing-the
sobs OF a heart-broken man.
He did not hear the steps on the stairs
| nor the sound Of low voices outside, nor
did be know that the door was pushed
softly open. He did not hear the rustic
Of silken garments on the bare door, as
a 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 a cry
/ broke from him, a cry Of love, humilia
! ton, shame and longing.
/ "Marvia. IL saw you'll could no
| stay"
He broke off suddenly. the tears role.
/ down his shrunken face
She took his hand AMI held it tightly,
world Of tenderness and reproach in heI
eyes.
How could You run away from me
/ Philip? Did you not know would fol
low you? Why have you not Above,
me TO know where you were-thar yOl
were i'll and in trouble? Why diI yoJ
give NE back my freedom? / did no
ask FOR it"
II failed in everything. Marvia." h.
said chOkingly. Il was always in har,
luck. had nothing to offer you | an
a hopeless failure. But-thank heaven
| have seen you once more. MARKHAM,
now. dear. thank you for coming, bu
i cannot accept your pity"
She bent over him suddenly, and put
ting her arms about him. drew his hea,
to her breast.
Philip. she said softly 1T Is Christ
mas day-listen to the bells, ii never
gave you Christmas gift yet, dear, bu
| give you one now. Ii is myself. Philip
Do not refuse 1.-THE only gift / ever Of
fered you-I have loved you 50 long
dear"
And Philip, lifting passionate. hungry
eyes to her face, saw Paradise.
"ls-this-the way-that women love =
he asked in a whisper
Raising his wasted arms. be put then
about her neck. The shabby coat sleev,
rested against the rich fur at her throat
He laughed feebly.
'Bronson's luck has changed