Middletown transcript., 1903-05-02

soul and body and spirit. Can't you see'
Joyce!
She burst into a storm OF tears and
sank back upon the bench. He dropped
her hands and was on his knees.
Forgive me. 1 love you. / ask you to
be my wife
Don't, she moaned. Then it has been
all useless-and have tried to stop this
80 hard. 1 was going away in the
morning train, before any one was up.
My trunk is packed and was to follow.
What!
had written letter to leave for you.
l am to marry-someone else.
There was a groan Of agony from his
lips, then a storm.
You shall not. ] love you. No one
shall take you from me. His voice broke,
in pain, in longing, in wonder. Don't
you love me, joyce? 1t was cry for
mercy.
Her own pain, remorse, stified her.
God forgive me-for-this; but, though
-I-led-you on at first, | meant no
harm. / liked you, and there was no
one here. 1 was alone, i'll, weary. |
have tried to show you lately, and l was
going away. should have told you-I
see it now-told you at first; but it seemed
so awkward, SO unnecessary.
He shook his head.
Joyce, the concealment of her engage
ment by dangerously beautiful woman
is-a crime.
She quaied at his words, but still tried
to excuse.
But, I could not-somehow. Your
friendship
friendship 1t was love from the be-
ginning. l had dreamed OF you for
years. You we're my 'moon-lady,' didn't
YOU know? And not night but l have
blessed God for leading me to you at last.
1t was Fate-no, Gods own providence.
He must have meant it in that way, OF
why did He bring us together? 1 never
doubted. You do love me, Joyce? The
other is all mistake-to be broken off
cast out OF your life
Her sobs had ceased.
honor you. You are the best man
know-the dearest friend I have ever
had. If 1 had met you first, l might
have No. love him.
Through her pain came the unmistaka-
BILE ring Of perfect truth. That truth
struck him like blow.
Then it is all over! He passed his
hand across his forehead bewildered.
She touched his arm, hesitatingly.
Don't. Your very touch thrills me,
and have lost you! He wheeled upon
har. Where is he? What is he doing to
leave you unprotected What kind Of
man.
Hush. His absence has been the great
est trial to him. He is in the far West
on a critical piece OF work-with three
hundred men under him. He cannot
leave. Lance
He drew back.
Lance Wilmerding You know him!
Yes. That the cup may be filled to
the brim. l used to know him we'll.
Used?
Yes. We spent four years OF college
| life together. But time makes changes.
He went West-I to New York. We
seldom met, have not seen each other for
years.
He leaned against the rail, weari!y.
She rose. They moved away silently.
He opened his lips once, then closed
them. There was nothing more to say,
for this was the end.
The hotel was dark save for the dim
light in the misty corridor.
At the steps she turned and gave him
her hand.
He took it for moment, then wrenched
himself away. Her faint football went
along the corridor-was lost on the stairs
All was silence.
He said, And have never even kissed
her hand.
A year had passed, and John Hcdcas
ter stood upon the banks OF the broad
Mississippi.
1t was at point where great railroad
bridge was to be built, one Of the feats Q
modern engineering.
Hodcaster, called from the East to Civ
an experts opinion upon the project
viewed the low banks, the treacherou
currents.
. His only remark was "U-um." H
then sought out the Oldest inhabitant G
that section.
They tell me, said Hodcaster, after
few minutes conversation, that you'v
: been here for years, but if you don't tai
as if you came from old York State,
J never ate Greene County apple.
Josiah Pratt held out firm, toll hare
! ened hand: "Shake."
And it was with genuine pleasure this
, Hodcaster ''shook" He rested his hand
on the split-rail fence against which Pra
J reposed, and lightly seated himself as h
! talked. Presently he leaned over Pratt
, shoulder and laughed. 1t was might
! near the New England line, you know
Do you ever have pie for breakfast?
Pratt jumped, but quickly subsidized.
Used ter. But not fer years now. Bl
why not! Betsy'll be only to glad. Il
, morrer, sure. Y'll stay with us?
: Glad to-and possibly l can tl,ro
something in your way, too. By-th
! way, did the other fellow who was hel
about the bridge ask you about the rive
Pratt shook his head.
Funny-that. And you ferryman hel
for more than forty years. l was goir
: TO say you must know her tricks bett'
! than the river does herself; but guess