Ellsworth American., 1904-05-04

of mine at college lie has won his
ways up from the RANKS. has my hero,
aud be is worthy OF any woman living,
even the one my Imagination has Great
ell for him. lie has been abroad. and
I've fitted lin up with some of the ex-
periei.es had myself while reporting
/ on a Sew York paper. But he is doom
! cd 10 lose her The Turks say, you
know. He that has many horses hath
1 no wives I've endowed him with
1 money and graces of body and mind.
but cannot give him the girl he loves.
And she, Miss Broadhurst. If | can
lieture bar as l see her. should make
lue famous. | thought one 50 sweet
and charming could not exist until ]
saw you. and you are her counterpart.
1t was no idle compliment. no silly at
tempt at Irritation. Swiftly the girl
searched Cartright's mind and found
him sincere. THANK you, Mr. Cart
right she said simply, yet she colored
with pleasure.
1t may seem queer" he continued.
'but there is a feeling. too strong 10 be
overcome. that | must part them. !
would give all have could they but
marry. yet they cannot. 1t Is what
call my literary conscience. Often
know that my stories would sell better
were | to change in some cases even
single paragraph. but | never do It.
His companion nodded. Il know the
feeling. When was little girl my
gi- s.f atVnnvRff4y
the parlor. did not like II. and at first
| did II hurriedly, leaving unswept the
places thought would not be discoy-
cred When mother came TO inspect
the room her tone of mingled reproof
and surprise filled me with shame
when she said, And my Ruth did not
sweep behind the door, That was all,
vet whenever am tempted to shirk or
do anything which is not right think
/ must sweep behind the door"
Her naive simplicity delighted Cart
right, and he led her to talk of her
home town, her friends and her daily
occupations. Yet there was never n
word of the ring nor the man who had
placed II upon her finger, and Cart
right respected the fine delicacy OF her
nature.
Everything must come to an end.
and this Incompatible day was draw
ing to a close. With a start of sur
prise the girl noted the slanting sun.
II had no idea 1t was so late" she said.
How the time has flown"
Cartright helped her 10 her feet,
every nerve thrilling at the touch Of
her little hand
He held 1t between his own. and bent
impetuously toward her. Need we
say Goodbye" he said. May not call
tonightF
She raised her eyes TO his. They
were both glad and troubled at his
words, yet within their depths was an
appeal he could not mistake-an ap-
peal TO his chivalry. 1T must be good
by" she said, and then, Il am to be
married in September
He dropped her hand. "And so am
t. he replied gloomily. Il suppose
after the 18th Of September ! must not
even think of you any more"
"wednesday, the 12th7 Why, that is
my wedding day"
"And mine
Miss Broadhurst smiled as she turn
ed away. Mr.. Cartright. there is the
plot for your story"
Need II be writtenf' he asked pas
sionately. pleadingly. THAT story is
so sad; the saddest have ever
known"
The sweet lips were tremulous, but
the eyes were brave and steady now.
1T must be written" she said softly.
Your heroine was true and sweet.
Help her TO sweep behind the door, to
remain true to herself and her prom
Use. And, oh, believe me, though they
parted. those two in the story, she al
ways remembered him, and" breath
lessly, was sorry. perhaps, that~that
they were not to be together. nor even
see each other again"
"And he-the man in the story-was
more than sorry. He would have said
much. yet honor forbade. She gave
him a rose which he always kept And
this is the end of the story"
The girl unpinned a rose at her
breast. She kissed it and handed 1t
TO Cartright, and went her way unsee-
ingly, for her eyes were filed with
tears. She turned once and looked
back. He stood upon the spot where
they had parted. The rose he held to
his lips.
Arr Crificism