The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-04-05

hale whispered, taking Yvette's hands
and holding them tight. Tell me-
A whole lifetime may be lived some
times in a few moments. The future
may stretch out before us in luminous
colors and just as a flash of lightning
during the density of a storm viii re
veal all the hidden features of land
scape with precision never to be OBJ
liberated from men DRY, so a few words
under the intensity of feeling viii IN
riddle the strange mystery of tangled
hopes and desires to which we have
been drifting, perhaps uncOnSciOusly.
Yvette raised her eyes steadily and
met HolcOmb's look and read it. as no
woman ever. fails to do.
I do not now, but I viii in time. He
is good and loves me dearly StoDi I
know what you would say. Do you
think / would let you-marry a light
house keepers daughter You, with so
much to live for? Oh. no. no. But it
was pleasant. You have made these
past months SO bright. When I go I
viii remember how you used to come
to our lighthouse to cheer us, and how
pleasant the evenings were. Goodby."
Standing before her. Ned HOlcOmb lost
his head and poured out the Dent-4lD
words, which by Yvettess beauty and con
stant companionship during the past
months. had been stored up. waiting for
just such an occasion for utterance.
opinion? Ned asked Was not happiness
the sole and rightful aim of life? Has
grasp it. wherever and whenever the
chance Occurs2 Is it not far more hon
est to break faith with one when ones
whole soul and thoughts are wrapped up
IN another2 Yvette spoke like a child,
Like the dear. honest, unsophisticated lit
tie girl she was, it was absurd, hideous,
to think for an instant of throwing hers
self away on a common shipWright. She
anywhere, and Ben Ker would JON them
Who in all this world was as beautiful
Yvette
So Ned Holcomb urged in widest en-
treaty, and Yvette listened. keenest an
gulsh Juggling at her heart, her face pale,
but resolute look upon her face, strange
You think so now-but it's all a mis-
take dear she answered slowly, a great
tenderness yelling in her eyes.
Your life and mine lie far. far apart.
mine and we will both forget-alI but
the pleasant hours we spent in the old
lighthouse. and on these rocks listening
to the voices Of the sea GoOd-by.'
DO you mean it t must be for all
time. remember Yvette-
FOR al time!'' she answered steadily.
Ned Holcomb looked long at the face
bronze hair the sea breezes loved to toy
And when. the wind catching the sail,
his boat ran swiftly down the channel,
fvette standing on the 5utting rock. out
lined on the sOmbre background of the
old lighthouse. the rising tide tossing their
restless s nlhows up agalnse me rocks
CRY picture of utter loneliness, and one
Of most pathetic beauty.
stay to supper2 Has he gomez queried
Ben Ker lightly stroking Yvette's ruffled
hair as she nestled against him and lean
ed against his shoulder
Hes gene, dad; gone away. He'll not
come bacl--''
Gone away for good? Well. WELT
YouH miss his visits, my pet, and his
books But we Il soon leave the old light
house. Wen soon leave it. IN miss the
roar of the water and the whistle Of the
wind at night and the lighting of the
But life ashore will be better for my
birdie. She viii not miss a stranger
visits then Peter viii be here tomorrow.
and well settle the date in june and
soon Wen move out and let Harrison take
my place. You'll have Peter TO take care
OF you. and your old dad Ben Ker has
provided well for his little girl You will
Be as happy as the day is long"
Yes Cad. as happy as the day is long.