Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-10-24

mARCIA,' HE WENT ON, "BEFORE
GO YOU MUST CHOOSE ONCE FOR
ALL BETWEEN THE RICH BARO-
NET AND THE POOR BARRISTER."
into his bag, left directions for the gig
to bring it after him, and then started
TO walk to the station.
Long before he reached London his
better self regained the ascendancy,
and bitterly he rued the wrong he had
done his brother and the mess he had
made of things. Pride forbade him to
go back and apologize as he ought.
Not penny Of that cursed money
would he touch. He would leave Eng
land and carve out an independent
fortune for himself.
But at first he must see Marcia and
find out if she too were among the
things he had that day lost
Fortunately he found her "at home"
and alone. 1t was the first time they
had met since his fathers death, and as
she rose and came forward with out
stretched hands to welcome him she
said
Il knew you would come to me first
upon your return"
Her words and her manner fell like
balm on his storm-tossed and angry
spirit, and something like a sob had
to be gulped down before he could
speak, and even then his eyes were
suspiciously moist
YES" he said, leading her to a
seat, and even now l am come to
say good-by. l am leaving England"
he continued in answer to the mute
and appealing inquiry in her eyes,
Leaving England" she replied In
deep contralto tones; land why?"
ITO make my fortune" he answered
as jauntily as he could. :.
But surely" she began, when he
took the words out of her mouth.
''Oh, yes, Sir Arthur has done the
handsome thing so far as money is
concerned, but we've had a beastly
row, and 1 can't touch a penny. So
I'm going away"
"A quarrel with Sir Arthur-going
away!" she repeated duly, with dilated
eyes.
He nodded. But it was all my fault:
I acted like a cad. was mad with
doubt and uncertainty. Arthur be-
haved like a Dysart-practically
ordered me of the premises, just as I'd
have done If he had checked me. I've
only myself to thank" he concluded
gloomily.
Richard was very, very young. or
he would have known that one OF the
surest ways to woman's heart is self
depreciation. especially when that
woman is in love with man. Because
then she has the satisfaction OF prov
Ing, among other things, that her idol
Is not made of clay.
For Rick it was a relief thus to
make confession, to look into her
troubled eyes, their depths stirred for
him, as he felt, and to divine that she
ut least would not be Indifferent to his
going.
Marcia laid her cool palm On his hot
hand, and unthinkingly left il there.
In moment he had covered 1t with
the other, and held it imprisoned.
Il own | was in the wrong" he re-
iterated. But was wild at the thought
that perhaps had lost everything.
Marcia" he went on, before / go you
must choose once for all between the
rich baronet and the poor barrister.
You know what mean, dear!"
AhO al IL COlOT rose 10 her Cheeks.
her bosom palpitated; her breath came
and went In fitful unison with its
throbbings. He held her hands insist
emily, nor did she strive to withdraw
them. Raising her eyes to his she said
while half smile dimpled her mouth:
You foolish boy! the choice was
made years and years ago, and-it isn't
the baronet!" she faltered, as her head
sunk on his shoulder.
MY darling!" he exclaimed. as he
strained her yielding form to him.
do you mean it?''
"Yes," she sighed blissfully; ft
seems as If had always loved you.
Ricki"
"And will you wait for me, Marcia?"
he queried.
For ever and alwaysi" she rejoined.
gladly and proudly, smiling at him
through her happy tears.
And thus they parted, plighting tn cir
troth. In week Richard Dysart sailed
for Cape Town, to try his luck In the
diamond diggings.