The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1904-02-26

friendship"
She well remembered the dinner, the
sudden sympathy between them and
an indescrlbable feeling of loss when
Mrs. Markham had told her Gfterward
that Ashley was engaged. She had de-
cided code in matters of that kind and
many times during the last few weeks
his interested eyes had troubled her.
Il had little tale l wanted to tell,
but the man whom it concerned was
there" How could she make him
stop? She did not like his words or
his tone.
This chap met very pretty girl
while lie was still in college. Almost
before he knew it he was engaged to
her. They had a grain of sense, how
ever, for they agreed that either might
be released at the end OF the year"
when the time was up the fellow
found that the girl was only pleas
ant incident in his career. He told her
so, gently enough, but plainly. Was
he brute? Should he have made him
self carer"
HE did right" Polly replied, her in
terest sweeping away her fears. "This
talk of honor is rubbish. A woman is
never satisfied with half a love. He
couldn't have deceived her forever, and
the sharp present pang would have
been nothing to the later one"
II am very glad" he said, in, a voice
that thrilled her; lit is my own story
"Oh," breathed Polly, a thousand
thoughts wheeling through her mind.
'"Then you are not engaged?
"You have thought WASP" he ques,
toned quickly.
Mrs. Markham said so.''
II thought Rob knew it was broken"
Then restlessly, 1--WE tried many times
to go back. She has never married and
her beauty's gone. Twice I've been as
far as the train. 1t wasn't the sacri'
fee. 1t was living a lie."
Poor girl" murmured Polly.
Ashley was quiet, his hands clasped
tensely behind him. The storm had
reached its height, and the rain sound
ed like musketry among the trees
Great oaks and pines groaned in the
wind, and blue lightning cleft the dark
ness. Thunder came in continuous
waves of sound. At one flash I'M
bright, Polly buried her head
in her hands. When she lifted it a
giant tree was falling with a ripping
noise, dropping from one to another Of
the smaller trees about it.
''It will soon be DONE" Ashley said,
soothingly. you must hate me for
causing you this discomfort?"
Possibly 1 do" she smiled, "but l
couldn't afford to own it. I can't
stand thunder and lightning alone
You might desert"
"And you would keep me even when
you knew I had been cruel to a wo-
man" Polly's heart fluttered.
1T was not intentional cruelty.
There are degrees"
Ashley handed her the photograph
of a girl, which he took from his
watch. >---~'--
''This is she," he said
"How very pretty she is..'
"She expected that to take the place
of ideas, education character" He
tore the picture into bits.
"No, nov' she cried
..Why not? My penance is done
Diana has judged me innocent"
But why should II don't under
stand'
"Why should you be judge?" he fin
ished eagerly and tenderly, because
l love you"
The report Of sun brought Polly to
her feet, half relieved, half regretful
She sped away through the rain-laden
to meet the Markhams and
Abe the guide.
"Why didn't you run for the house,"
called Mrs. Markham. 'It's only lit
tie way"
ga little wayr' echoed Polly, and
Ashley laughed.
1--WE were lost" he explained.
didn't trust Diana and we've walked
ten miles at least"
ITO say nothing Of being starved and
soaked and wasting your time"
Knocked Mr.. Markham.
Don't say wasted Bob" protested
Ashley.
mo, indeed" interrupted Mrs Mark
ham, they've probably settled the uni
verse by now. What's the best way to
alleviate the wretched lot of MANI?
Did we get as far as that, Miss
Diana?" Somehow Ashley had man
aged to keep her behind tie others and
grasp her hand in his.
All rosy red she raised her eyes to
his and from them shot a glance that
meant a world Of happiness to him.
NO." she replied. mot quite as faI