The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1902-03-05

he said, especially " it represents
ones boyhood friends and companion
ship. The boys at the club have been
very good to me- and have come to
depend on them. would choose them
In preference to scenery any time, I
think" he commented, with strain
ed smile.
All color and brightness had fed
from her face. and as she stood in the
freight, her white evening gown cling
ing about her, she looked almost pa
thetic.
"I-would like to know-the worst,
Frank. Is it-any other womanT
NO" he said; II have never loved
but one woman, and when 1 found it
was all mistake l suffered a great
deal, more than you will ever know.
But 1t Is all over now. She didn't love
me, and have learned to do without
her."
A pause. 1--WE are on an equal foot
Ing now, Bess." And he stroked the
gray hair on his temples without look
ing at her. 1T is not as much happi-
ness as-as the other way, but there
Is not so much pain"
Bess had lost all power of speech and
was staring at him with eyes almost
set In their horror. But he mistook
the cause.
Don't bother your head, Bess. about
what the world will say. 1t need
never know. You bear my name, you
are the mistress of my home, and you
will be free to enjoy your pleasures
just as you see fit. You are welcome
to all / have"
Except your love-"
you had that, too, once. How long
ago has 1t been, Bess? 1t seems years
Good night" he said as she made
no answer '"The old servants are
here, and you will be perfectly safe"
Still she said nothing. and he went
out, closing the vestibule door quietly
after him. Bess recovered sufficiently
to reach the window In time to see
him move down the lighted street to-
ward the club.
"Oh, my Godr she moaned. what
have l done? Have 1 been dreaming
all these months|
She was awake now, with ten thou
sand accusing demons contending for
the mastery of her soul.
Two months later Mrs. Raine was
ushered unceremoniously into Mrs.
Ryals' boudoir and found grave fac.
ed young woman bending over the
smoldering fire.
"Oh, my dear, 1 am SO fortunate tc
find you at homer was her CHEEKY
greeting. Il am in the greatest hurry
but do so want you to join my party
to the Yellowstone park tomorrow
It'll be such glorious trip. l tele
phoned Mr.. Ryals, and the dear, swee
man said he left 1t entirely with you
Really my dear, you are to be con
graduated Why, Bess''-
Her hostess had risen and now stooC
facing her, a grayish pallor spreadin,
over her face.
Don't speak to me of travelingl
hate the word-the thought of boat
and cars and hotels! I want to be lef
alone-aloner'
Frank Ryals was mounting the step
of his club when an inperlous femi
nine voice stayed his steps. 1t wal
Mrs. Raine. and her ordinarily gush
Ing manner had entirely disappeared.
my dear boy, you don't want te
stay at the club this afternoon. You
really ought to run right up to the
house. There's certainly something
wrong with Bess. She's been treating
me to a genuine case Of Mysteries.
Imagine Bess In hystericsl And she
won't go to California with us. Oh.
she's altogether unreasonable left
her In tenrs. You must have the doc
tor"
Eyes, I'll phone for him at once"
Mr.. Ryals' voice and manner were
calm, perfunctory. He raised his hat
and mounted two more steps. Then
he paused irresolutely. Mrs. Raines
was half way up the block. A man ad-
dressed him lightly and entered the
door, and still Ryals stood undecided,
a strange light playing In his moody
eyes.
"She won't go to California. 1 left
her In tears"
Tears for what? For him, after all!
Suddenly he turned on his heel and
plunged down the steps. A hanson
was drawn up at the curb. The driver
knew him well and touched his hat In.
terrogatively.
"I1ome! exclaimed Ryals, and then
as the hanson rumbled over the as
phalt he murmured in softer tones,
"FIome.'