The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1904-08-05

action ha could save himself rom his
own disesteem, and. perhaps. Der
Bcorn.
At the heart OF him he did ro' know
what 70 think a. her She did not
fear him. yet she did not try 70 draw
him. Her grace and gentleness hid so
much that was brave and strong that
doubt Of her was impossible. Yet. who
was she? What was she2 Had that
ring meant anything? Why had she
removed ~
He had for some time been abs 70
take n vacancy in laboratory ar Liy-
erpool. and now made definite arrange
ments for the change.
On the evening that he had deter
mined TO tell her Of his leaving London
she tapped at his door. and on her en-
tering TO his call he had not the heart
TO look up. bat returned her greeting
with eyes bent on his book.
After little talk she seemed TO
think he was preoccupled ana as usual.
in her sensible manner that had al
ways half pleased and half ombittered
hiri. she rose soon as If 10 30 away.
He looked up quickly.
Don't 60" he said: Il have some
thing 10 tell you. have got an ap-
pointment at Liverpool and shall be
leaving London in a few days. ! sup
pose you, too. will be getting new quar-
tiers soon"
She went pale as she sat. and in her
eyes came a look of terror
your are leaving London? II am
very sorry"
Il. too. am sorry" said Portway,
hurriedly; very sorry: but | think
1t is best for-for my prospects as an
analyst"
She nodded her head looking at him
with eyes of sadness. She rose and
went to the door in silence. stopped,
came back to where he stood and held
out her hand.
M Stephen" she said. in low soft
tones. Il can never thank you enough
for your goodness. You have been
more than a friend to me, but"
She shook her head sorrowfully and
her eyes darkened as If with fear. She
dropped his hand, and with a wan
smile shrugged her shoulders.
What Is il. mademoiselle? he said,
his voice quick.
Il fear myself" she said. Il am q
coward" Her face and fglre seemed
suddenly Swallowed in gloom. But,
as you have seen. my friend. there Is
something that leaps into us French
women when things are at their worst,
and IL drives us-it drives us to-"
She made a curious gesture. in which
indifference and despair seemed 10 ne
flung over a verge.
But this" she said. instantly bright,
this is ungrateful talk. You have put
me on safe road. thank you. Mon
sieur Stephen. There are not many
men like you. fear. will be strong.
like you. | thank you for your good.
ness-I thank you with all my poor
heart"
"Marcelle," he said. looking into the
eyes that shone with unshed tears,
you think leave my task half done.
You think do not care. But. Mar
celle. if you care for me and can
He stammered and was silent; he
could not frame all the opposing
thoughts that thronged and. instead,
he held her hand, looking at the tinger
en- which he Lad seen the ring. He
raised his head and met her eyes.
and instantly complete knowledge
seemed to bridge their minds.
Il have no one in the world" she
said. her eyes and checks aglow. III
was my fancy TO wear my ring that
day, for / thought | soon should see
him that I had lost. We had been so
happy for a little while after we were
married, and then he became III and
lad 10 go away from me. and ! never
saw him again till he lay dead. That
was four years ago. Then my fathers
ruin came upon us. and oh. that little
happy time seems so far away"
DO you care enough for me to be
my wife,"
The smiling. flushing face looked
fondly in his eyes. and then. as she
was drawn within his arms, she said:
"I cared for you on the day | told
you that your eyes had looked SO
hard. for saw then how very tender
they could be."-London Sketch.