The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-12-20

IF you remain here, yes. But ava.
from your old associates, in a sweeter
purer atmosphere, having ever near yol
loyal, loving friend, who would study
your tastes and find thousand different
ways to interest and amuse you, what
;Gen?"
he smiles sadly.
where. madame. could I find such u
friend?"
Her queenly figure sways a little to-
ward him.
"In me-" she breathes, her low voice
vibrating with a subtle tenderness.
Desmond looks supplied.
you forget he says gently, "that the
difference of fifteen or twenty years in
our ages would not shield you IRON the
sneers Of"
She interrupts him with a supplicatine
gesture, her fair old face crimsoning
from brow to chin.
''Don't!' she murmurs, and then adds
quickly: do you care for any one?-
any woman, 1 mean
NO" he says. and yet he draws his
breath heavily as he speaks. 'I"- bis
tones sinking and the shadows in his
dark eyes deepening loved but
once. That was ten years ago, when
was boy of sixteen and she a girl of
twelve. You may laugh at me, Miss May
DESMOND-TWO! "! IL ~! "! 1a!32
| nard, but l swear to you mat l loved
that child devotedly. When 1 left home
| to complete my collegiate course
| her how dear she was to me and vowed
that on my return l would marry nee.
Then ! kissed the tears from her blush:rg
little face and we parted. Ia mournful
minor note pulsating in his voice" II
never saw her again.
''Why?" the lady asks.
Il was ashamed" he says. 1T was at
college that 1 began the life which has
been my ruin. 1 saw not the abyss into
which 1 was sinking until too late. Then
could not return to my little sweet
heart and let her innocent eyes see the
wretched change that had been wrought
in me-
But what became of her. Mr.. Des-
nond?"
She Is in Europe-in Rome, 1 think
Her parents died there two years ago
of the fever. Since then, 1 understand,
! she has devoted herself to the study of
art"
! do you care for her still?'
"No, think not. The love once bore
her seems but a sad, sweet memory
ROW."
The shadow of a smile touches Miss
Maynard's lips.
''Since that is the case, l will hesitate
TO longer. The world would not sheer
at your Wife, Mr.. Desmond. Will you
make ne such in order that 1 may help
you? Do not misunderstood me. sir"
S peaking with sudden desperate haste
1T is not love for which 1 ask-only
/ friendship and the protection of your
name.'
For an instant Desmond almost doubts
the evidence of his own ears.
What! Would you be willing to make
such n sacrifice?" he eXclaims.
would it be no sacrifice on your
part?" she falters. Then low and be-
seechingly: "Please-please do not think
me bold and unwomanly Remember it is
no young girl pleading for your love. You
yourself have intimated that 1 am old
enough to be your mother, and as moth
er I want to be near you, to help you N
every way 1 can. Would it be no sacri-
fee on your part?"
None he says. In truth, despite the
difference in their ages, she has Begin
to exert over him a singular and power
ful fascination. 81 am only amazed"
he adds, Eat the magnitude of your con-
descension.''
Then" struggling to hide her exces-
Slve agitation II am to understand"
= That your interest in me, your bound
less trust have given me new hope and
life; that / am resolved to show you that
your confidence in me has not been MS.
placed, by making myself worthy of 1t;
and that as your husband, hope to be
able. in some measure at least, to prove
the gratitude I feel, but which is beyond
the power of words to express And may
God, who gave me your precious friend
ship when my need was the sorest, help
me to keep that resolve
Amen she answers TREMENDOUSLY. "And
never, never doubt that He will
What a change SIX short months work
in Jack Desmond! The old life the old
desires are dead They have fallen from
him rs a WORKOUT garment, GODS chosen
instrument, the fair and stately woman
who now bears his name, has redeemed
him.
Tonight, arrayed in robe Of trailing
black velvet, cluster of waxen, crystal
clear mistletoe-berries at her throat, and
her beautiful slvery hair cleaning in the
, lamplight, she is swinging herself softly
to and fro in a cushioned rocker; while
her handsome young husband, seated on
an ottoman at her feet, looks up into
her face, his smiling dark eyes alight with
tenderness.
Jack she is saying, "you really ought
tc go. 1t won't do for both of US to re-
main away, you know
Il will do whatever you wish" he an
swers. ''But I'd much rather stay at
homo with you
do you know" she laughs leaning for
ward and playfully tapping him ON the
lips with her fan, that before long peo-
pie will be saying you are in love with
your old wife,"
what il they do?" taking one of her
hands in his and lifting it to his lips.
els It not truec"
A glow Of crimson flashes into her pure.
pale face.
"Eush!" speaking with sudden sharp
ness. How often have I forbidden you
to look at me and sneak tn me in that