Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-01-29

| said Ford. There were also others.
Miss Marsh came down or sent word
every day. We were all determined not
TO let you die. But twas a good fight.
I'm about used up. l turn you over to
Miss Marsh"
'T'm sorry to miss you Ford" Cor
don laughed lightly. "Tve no fault to
| find"
Il understand. you simply want
better looking nurse around. Don't
blame you" said Ford, who was I'M
commonly homely and not at all scnsi
tive over it.
81 did not say So" replied Gordon.
laughing again. He was light hearted
The world seemed good to him, The
victory Of the righteous forces in the
city. the defeat Of Tommy Randall, the
prospect for the future and, above ALL
the thought Of Luella filed him with
| joy. Life was worth living after all
There would always be battle, but vic
tory was possible; always sorrow and
trouble, but God was not dead. Every
minute brought healing to him. When.
a few days after. Miss Andrews told
him that Miss Marsh was in the house,
he felt almost equal to his old time en-
thusiasm.
lie was up and dressed, sitting by
his window. which overlooked the same
prospect as that commanded by the IL
brary window downstairs, when Luella
stepped into the room.
She had put off coming TO see him as
long as possible. When she had no
more excuses 10 offer, she went down
to Hope House Gordon of course
asked to see her. He was growing
strong so fast that there was no reason
why he should not see her.
She came slowly into the room, and
he started to rise and walk toward her,
but he was not equal to it ana sank
back, smiling at her and not noting in
his eifor. the very grave look in her
face.
Il have been told I need another
nurse. luellu, but will promise not to
| be-
He noted her look and instantly felt
troubled by it. She had come up tn
his chair and put out her hand. He
! luu itllt bNtT anu Diute'l HIS lIDS VA IL
and felt it to hc trembling and cold.
what is the matter: You are ill.,"
mo; but, john
She sat down near him and covered
her face. John Gordon sat very still.
He did not break the silence.
"Oh, let us not--do not ask me to
you are not strong enough. 1t is cruel
tn, : 1,t, .,,t
| am not able to act a part
What is it," he asked quietly. She
looked up. He was gazing Mt her SO
gently. so lovingly, that she was deeply
moved. She rose and kneelcd down by
him and let him put his hands over
hers.
John" she exclaimed wildly. "is il
right that should make you unhappy
all your lfe:'
"There is only one way you can dc
that
Yes; but it is not the way you mean
1t is the way | mean. If l should be
your wife and come here to live,
should be acting Il part am not made
to act. Ii would be unfair 10 you
billty of it for me, then your unhappi
ness would begin"
Your promise'- John Gordon be
gan, while his eyes sought to dwell or
hers and then wandered away to tn,
window
My promise oh, it was given wheI
l thought you Were dying You can
M. mo I ,1fI'n
John, tell me you dcspisc me. VIVA
a contradiction | am to myself, to you
to everybody"
There are no contradictions in tru'
love" said John Gordon gently. H.
removed his hands from hers an,
turned his face away. She slowly ros
and stood looking out of the window.
at is that, that.' she exclaimed pas
sionately, pointing at the view from
the window. 1T would kill me, al
that drcary. hdcous unattractiVc, hor
rible humanity, with its miserable sor
did, mean, selfish life. To dwell witt
it, to ncighbor it / cannot cannot
1t would be sin for me to pretCnt
that could be happy in that kind o
a life"
"And yet" said John Gordon, look
ing at her with a new look. in which
pity for her prcdominated more thar
any feeling for himsell-"and yet it i
the kind Of humanity that the Son o
God came to save. | am sorry for you
Lucia. God help YOU
She turned toward him swiftly
Something in his tone reminded he
of something Mrs Penrose had said.
ut is too late. | was born as | am
Then she came nearer DO you for
give me for bringing YOU this unhar
, pincss? VIII you forget me-"
Il will forgive he said simply.
"You will also forget in time sh
replied after a pause. He did not al
swcr and she walked slowly tcTar
the door. There she turned and locke
back at him. He was looking out O
the window Grayely. His face thi
and pale, ennoblcd in every line b
suffering and service, seemed to he
, for Il moment to be more than carthl
in its beauty and power. She hesitatet
What she was reuouncing began to b
dimly made real TO her. And yet I
I lose the things
| Slowly she turned her head an
opened the door, stepped out into tn
hall, shut the door and went down int