The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-09-18


with a half smothered CRY. kneeIing at
MS bedside and taking his hand in hers.
He repeated her name, but he was too
much moved TO say anything more
She was very calm. There was no
expression Of strong emotion or feeling.
She understood his condition: and. as 1
saw, made an effort &C be composed; but
saw her wipe away a tear.
Il am getting old. daughter" he said.
Il cannot endure as much as I once
could. had the fever while at Vera
Cruz"
so Mr.. Harvey told me-" she replied
Yes, Mr.. Harvey" he repeated. He
has been kind TO me You will like him,
know you will, daughter"
She bent over his pillow and said
something to him, but 1 did not hear
what, for 1 quickly left the room.
There was no reason why the senori-
ia should care for me more than that 1
was a friend of her uncle. 1 resolved
that l would not obtrude my presence
upon her. II was a hard struggle that
I fought against love the hait hcut
walked the patio. But / conquered
at least, l thought I conquered. re"
days. at the most. I argued 10 myself,
and 1 would &C away. 1 would join
the army.
had always had the army in mind
as my refuge. II would give me some
thing 90 do. 1t was action 1 needed
it would help me to forget. was
meant for a soldier. and would find
that my place was IN the army, and
then ] would forget her.
When she came out of her uncle 5
room I met her calmly, and. as
thought. with as much composure as
| II we had been mere chance acquaint-
ances. In my effort 70 conceal what
had been my true feeling toward he'll
| I believe l went 10 the other extremity,
and was severe.
/ 1 interrupted her abruptly. 1 could
not receive thanks from her lips. She
would cause me to break my resolve. J
felt again the old conflict coming on.
You must understand replied, ii
was a. matter Of business. l was anXi-
Gus for a little adventure. I liked the
! excitement Of danger. l went into your
uncle's employ as any servant would
have done, for pay. 1 have done nothing
more than 1 should have done-was IL
duty bound TO do. 1 did not consult YOU
wish. for 1 was not in your hire. l die
what l thought was best. II was simply
a mercenary transaction. 7 was paid fol
the services I rendered"
offered TO assist her TO alight, but
she disdained TO take my hand. stepping
lightly to the grund. unassisted.
Where Is my uncle?" she asked. hur.
riedIy.
led the way. the duenna accompany
ing us.
Il am glad that you have come"
told her. II have been waiting aux
iously for you
Il came as soon as I could" she re
piled. "Is my uncle any worse?"
I informed her that 1 thought Their
had been little change from what hi
condition was in the morning, but tina
the fever was likely to be more marke,
toward evening.
She sprang quickly Up tie stone step
and waited IN the gallery until I ha,
inquired as to Mr.. MelrOse's condition
and found out II he could see her then
Your niece is here" 1 told him. Ssh
is waiting. Shall I have her come in?
She looked at me. not a muscle Of he
face moving.
~You will not let me thank you. Mr.
Harvey" she asked, her voice tremblInI
little.
There Is nothing for which yo-
should thank ne" 1 answered II vii
let you make your peace with YOU
uncle. and ! trust that all may be ar
ranged satisfactorily"
Mr.. Harvey, you are a strange man
do not understand YOU" she saiu. al
most crying.
She hesitated. as IL she would sa
something more: but my GOODNESS mus
have frozen her speech. for she turne
and accompanied the duenna to IN
carriage 1 followed them 70 the street
After she had entered the carriage sh
II otiOned to me.
II am coming back tomorrow" sh
| said. Il shall lien remain with n
uncle until he RECEIVERS. Try and do a
you can for him, Mr.. Harvey"
1 will do that l replie,-, as the car
Rage moved away.
Again I walked the patio. Was
: that I had to be abrupt and discourse
Gus TO the senorita in order that sh
should not see that l loved her? NJ
, conduct, l knew, had been ungentIs
: manly. I hated myself for my unga
liant behavior toward her. 1 had bee
! rude. And she was coming to the hot
to stay with her uncle
How was I going to meet her da
after day and she not discover thu
I loved her? l could not keep up th
e severity ] had just shown TO her. Thel
too, l could have courage to brave any
!. thing but the war in my own heart.
knew / was nol a coward face 20 fac
with death but l could not face a hop,
less love. Flight was my only alterns
| tive. l would go away.