Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-03-17


say anything.
He t.ied to speak and choked a little.
A big drop of rain fell OH his bare
head. Neither Of them noticed the
weather or cared for it. They stood
with the renewed blackness hanging
like a drapery between them.
.Can-can you-tell me why you
think you ought not to go?" he whis-
pered finally with great effort.
mo: not now But l know you
would think l am right in wanting to
stay. l know you would II you knew
about it; but can't, l can't. must
go in the morning"
II should always think you right, "
he answered in an unsteady tone, al
ways" He went over to the bench,
fumbled about for his hat and picked
it up.
Come he said gently, Il am going
now
She stood quite motionless for a full
minute or longer; then, without word,
she moved toward the house. He went
to her. with hands extended to find her,
| and his fingers touched her sleeve.
Together and silently they found the
garden path and followed its dim
length. In the orchard he touched her
sleeve again and led the way.
AS they came out behind the house
she detained him. Stopping short, she
shook his hand from her arm. She
spoke in breath, as IL 1t were all one
word.
"Will you tell me why you go? 1t Is
not late. Why do you wish to leave
me, when shall not see you again?"
1.-THE Lord be good to mev' he broke
out, all his long pent passion Of dreams
| rushing to his lips as the barrier fell.
Don't you see it Is because l can't
bear to let you go? hoped to get
away without saying it. want to be
| alone l want to be with myself and
try to realize things. I didn't want to
make babbling idiot of myself, but
am. 1t is because don't want another
second of your sweetness to leave an
added pain when you've gone. 1t Is
because I don't want to hear your voice
again, to have 1t haunt me in the lone
liness you will leave. But it's useless,
useless. shall hear it always, just as
I shall always see your face, just as
have heard your voice and seen your
face these seven years, ever since l
first saw you, child, at Winter Har-
bor forgot for awhile. l thought it
was a girl I had made up out of my
own heart, but it was you all the time.
The impression l thought nothing OF
then; just the msrest touch on my
scarf, light as it was, grew and grew
Deeper till it was there forever You've
understand what you think of me for
speaking to you like this. If had
known you for years and had waited
and had the right to speak and keep
your respect, what have to offer you?
couldn't even take care Of You if you
went mad as l and listened. I've no
excuse for this raving- Yes, have"
He saw her in another second of
lightning, a sudden. bright one. Her
back was turned to him, and she had
taken few startled steps from him.
"Ah," he cried, you are glad enough
now to see me go! knew it. l want
ed to spare myself that. tried not to
be a hysterical fool in your eyes" He
turned aside, and his head fell on his
breast. "God help mev' he said. what
will this place be to me now?"
The breeze had risen. It gathered
force. 1t was chill wind, and there
rose wailing on the prairie. Drops Of
rain began to fall.
You will not think question I'M
piled in this" he said, more composed |
". but with an unhappy laugh at him. !
self. Il believe you will not think me
capable of asking you il you care
NO" she answered, IL do not love |
YOU"
.'Ab, was it question, after all? L I
you read me better than do, perhaps. /
But, If asked, knew the answer"
She made as IL to speak again, but
words refused her.
After a moment, "Goodby," he said
very steadily. II thank you for the
charity that has given me this little
time-with you. 1t will always be-
precious to me- shall always be your
servant" His steadiness did not carry
him to the end Of his sentence Good
by
She started toward him and stopped.
He did not see her. She answered moth
ing, but stretched out her hand to him
and then let it fall quickly.
"Goodby,' he said again. II shall go
out the orchard gate. Please tell them
good night for me- Won't you speak to
me? Goodby"
He stood waiting, while the rising 8
wind blew their garments about them.
She leaned against the wall of the I
house. Wont you say goodby and tell
me you can forget my
She did not speak. !.
Nor he cried wildly. "Since you
lon't forget 1t! l have spoiled what
night have been a pleasant memory Il
'or you, and I know it. You are al
.eady troubled, and | have added. and l
,ou won't forget 1t, nor shall I-nor
shall l. Don't say goodby! can say it ]
or both of us. God bless you, and ]
.oodby. goodby, Goodbye 6
He crushed his hat down over his l
yes and ran toward the orchard gate. !
Cor moment lightning flashed repeat