Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-01-31
ETHE BETTER MAN.

VV7OVVv0OVVVVV
1t was a perfect moonlight night,
and two people were slowly pacing a
secluded path in the grounds OF the
Darncombe Cliff hotel. The man was
about 35 years of age powerfully
built. with strong. good-looking face,
and bronzed complexion. His COM
panion was a young and radiantly
pretty girl, not more that 21.
They strolled for some moments in
silence The man, with his hands
thrust deep in the pockets of his
jacket, was thinking hard, thinking OF
the thing that had happened to him.
He was in love-in love with the
girl who was walking so calmly by his
side. And it could have no result! 1t
was impossible.
They had come to seat on the cliff,
and the girl touched him lightly on
the arm. He awoke from his reverie
with start
''Shall we sit down for moment?"
she said. "You haven't told me half
of what 1 want to know yet"
"You can't think" she continued,
smiling at him frankly, "how dread
fully nervous | was when Cyril told
me you were coming to England"
Dalyell forced smile.
Had he drawn such terrible pic
ture OF me, them"
"Oh, no! He is very proud of you,
proud of what you have done. But l
thought that perhaps" she hesitated,
and her eye fell on her engagement
ring, that perhaps you would not
approve of his choice"
Would that have mattered much?"
he said.
Being the man you are-yes:" she
said simply. II should not have cared
to marry Cyril had you objected"
But luckily we needn't discuss
that" she cried, happily. For you
don't object, do you?"
NO" He paused, and his eyes
dropped to the ground. 81 suppose"
he continued in a low tone, you
really love him."
A tiny spot of color showed on her
fresh young cheek. FIe glanced UP and
saw her eyes shining. and her lips
parted In half smile.
YES" she said, softly. Il really love
him-love him as thought it not pos
sible for me to love any one!"
He turned his face away that she
might not see the bitter look that had
crept into 1t. Years ago, when hardly
more than boy, he had gone abroad.
He had worked hard, was clever, and,
best Of all, lucky.
Immediately Oh landing, Cyril had
insisted on dragging him down to
Darncombe, where Madge Escott, to
whom he had lately become engaged.
and her aunt were staying. They had
been together a day or two then Cyril
had gone to London to execute COM
mission for portrait. leaving him be-
hind, and for ten days he had been
practically alone with her. She felt
that Cyril had left him in her care,
and had devoted all her time to him;
and this had been the result-he had
fallen madly in love with her!
May l tell you secret?"
He gave a slight start as her gentle
voice fell on his ears.
Dol" he said, with an effort.
Cyril said last week." she went on,
that he is making so much money at
his painting that he wants the mar
riage to be next month";
lie felt slight shiver run through
him. His brother was even lying to
her. He knew very we'll that his earn
ings from his brush formed but the
slightest part of his income. For the
rest he was dependent upon him.
You will, of course. be his best
man." she cried, gayly. "And you'll
have to come and stay with us-very,
very often"
Dalyell made up his mind.
81 am very sorry" he began, halt
ingly. "But-Fm afraid shall not be
able to stop for the marriage"
Her eyes opened in amazement.
mot stop for the marriage," she re-
peated. "Why?"
He hesitated for a moment. then
faced her resolutely.
Il find shall have to go back to
India" he said. between his teeth.
mere are IL lot OF Important Things
to be seen TO, aEd-well. | have de-
clded to leave next week" he finished
abruptly.
He saw her face cloud with disap-
polntment.
Il had been hoping So" she be-
gan. then she broke of with u cry OF
surprise. why. here's Cyril.' she
said.
She rose from her seat and ran to
meet him.
"Hullo. Dick, old chap" he cried
boylshly. II got through with the Job
earlier than | expected. and so ran
down tonight Has Madgd been look
Ing after YOU well?" he added. with a
smile at the girl ON his arm.
'She has been very kind" answered
Dalyell quietly.
"oh. Cyril, what do you Think"
cried Madge. "ile says he must go
back To India next week-not stop for