The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1903-10-07

who caused yuu pain, but what she did
ten or more years ago cannot AFFECT
me now. love her 90 well that will
hear nothing but what che choose to
tell me-"
But insist on telling you. You
cannot marry her, Cyril. She is abso-
lutely unworthy of you, she would
spoil your life. Her behavior to me
was shameful"
Cyril faced his friend with a stern
light in his dark blue eyes
Hugh" he said, "I don't want to
quarrel with you, so IL you value our
friendship you will be silent. The past
is done with, the present and the fut-
ure are mine" He laid his hand on
Londesborough's shoulder. Don't let
us speak of this again, old man.
want TO keep your friendship as we'll
as my wife's love"
The door closed softly behind him,
but Londesborough did not stir.
1t was all too horrible to think that
of all women in the world, Cyril should
have set his heart on Ethel-Ethel,
who must be at least ten years his
senior, and who was false and selfish
to the core. The marriage must not
take place--at all costs ne must pre-
vent 1t. When the FIRST glamour Of a
boys hot-headed loye was over, he
knew only too well Che bitter disillus-
ionment and suffering that would fol-
low. Yet II he were to interfere, Cyril
would never forgive him.
Unsteadily and with set face, Lon
desborough paced far into the night,
wrestling with the problem that faced
him, and when the morning broke his
resolution was taken. He would not
stand by and see hrs friends whole
career spoiled. He knew too well what
little chance of happiness there would
be for such an ill-mated pair. Even
IL II cost what was to him the dearest
thing in the world-Cyril's Affection
he must contrive to put an end to the
engagement. To insist on telling Cy-
ril, would, he knew, be useless; he
must try what an appeal to Ethel her
self would do. and without further hes
itation Londesborough made his pre-
parations TO leave town at once
II was the afternoon of the next day
when Londesborough stood face to face
with the woman he had prayed never
to see again. In contrast to his lined
and h@ggard face her beauty appeared
all the more brilliant, and even in the
midst Of his trouble he found himself
wondering how lime had dealt 80
lightly with her.
had given Mrs. Monk-Mason her red
gold hair and smooth skin, and that
made the widow of thirty-five look
like a girl IN her twenties.
The sudden appearance in the New
Hampshire village of the man she had
Tilted SO heartlessly somewhat discon-
ceT'ted Vera, and it was with evident
nervousness that she greeted him.
This is an unexpected pleasure" she
began, hurriedfy, In that soft, low
voice the very tone Of which re-opened
still further the wound that had never
healed. Il hardly recognized you. Are
you staying in the neighborhood?"
Londesborough pulled himself to-
gether, away from the memories Of
the past that had threatened to over
whelm him at the sight OF her face,
and his set lips unclosed.
NO" he said, Il have come from
town ON purpose to see you, but l am
afraid you will not find my visit q
pleasure when you hear the reason.
have come to ask you to break of your
engagement with Cyril Carstairs."
Break off my engagement with Cy-
ril!" she repeated. But why? By
what right do you"
Never mind my right" he interrupt
ed. Cyril is my friend, and you are
not fit to be his wife"
would it not be better to say so to
him?" asked the woman, softly, but
her bosom heaved angrily, and she
clenched her white hands together.
Would you like me to tell him how
you treated me?" went on the stern
voice. would you like the young
mans pride and faith in you shattered
and broken? He believes you as good
as you are beautiful with a bitter
Sueer. LeI MIN keep some OF MS IL
lusions. You can find good reason
for breaking of the engagement with
out breaking his heart"
"And supposing refuse?"
Then must tell him everything"
''He would not listen. Besides, after
all. what have you to tell him? That
! Tilted you fifteen years ago. He loves
me too well to give me up for that"
Londesborough bit his lips. Did he
not know how loyal and devoted her
young lover was? He turned to her
flercely.
rs there no love on your side that
should make you pause? Cyril is
young, brilliant, on the threshold of
a great career. You are the last wom-
an In the world he should marry
heartless, mercenary, with no thoughts
but of pleasure and admiration. Is it
not enough that you Lave wrecked one
mans life, but that you should want to
spoil this trusting young fellows? You
will fire ryf him In civ yaonfha ha 90