The Somerset reporter., 1904-10-20

Just loathe them. But what could she
dor Perhaps they came to her and
she could not get rid of them any
more than she could change the color
Of her eyes or the shape of her nose
And what II, In spite of 1t all, she
loved you? Shouldn't you consider
her at ALP
Great Scottr exclaimed Askew
with mock dismay. How did we ever
get into such a sentimental discussion
two good comrsdesslike you and me3
BY the way" he went on quickly.
have 1 happened to mention to you
that I'm going off for awhile-possibly
for goodf
'It's an excellent business offer. but
1t takes nae to the otLor side OF the
continent. ! have not actually decld-
cd. but l shall doubtless accept it. In
deed, l can scarcely afford not to for
several reasons"
He did Lot look at her, and she was
thankful for even that small sign of
perturbation on his part. A quick reso-
luton seized her. 1t was leap year
blessed thought-and why should not
a woman. once In a thousand years or
SO, stand up and demand her own as
fearlessly and directly as man would
do? Had she not, by every vile that
woman may use, tried to make him ac-
knowledge his love for her? Never
never-nsyer would he ask her to mar
ry him because of her millions. Well,
then, she would ask him!
The first tumult OF her resolution
over, she felt a strange exhllaration.
Even the thought that intruded itself
like a ,specter between them-the pos
sibility that she might have mistaken
his feeling toward her-dld not deter
her.
II she were rejected Well, she had
rejected number OF men in her day,
and there would be certain poetical
justice in his melting out to her what
she had melted out to them!
While these thoughts were racing
through her mind she had touched the
bell.
Remember, Smithson, 1 am not to
be disturbed" she threw over her
shoulder to the butler.
You might light a cigar If you have
one about you" she suggested whim-
sIcally. ut would be favor to me If
you would. Men are always more ap-
pronchable when they're smoking.
aren't they?"
Askew smiled assent and complied
with her request. Then he paused
with the lighted cigar between his fin
gers and gave her long look. which
she returned unhinchngly. With an
effort she began to speak.
Duncan" she said bravely, :" have
something to tell you. Perhaps not an
other woman In the world would do 1t,
and perhaps you'll hate me for IT.
Hate your he Interrupted In Il voice
whose derlsive incredulity was music
to her ears. "Huto you, | can imag
inc good many things. but not that
"Welr'-hsr voice was slightly I'M
certain. but her eyes looked into his
without wuverlng soc. there ID
poor rich giri-a girl who hus loads OF
money aud who just hates 1t because
1t is always cutting her off from all
the things and people she cares for
Poor thiAg" sighed Askew mock
ingly. "Whdt Il pity she can't divide
with mer'
That's just what she wants to do"
leaped from her lips she wants to
give 1t all to you. You see-I-Im
speaking for 4er She isn't In the habit
of saying things like this to men, and
she doesn't know exactly how to do
It. But she wants you to know that
she thinks you the one man In the
world; that her faith in you is SO great
that she even darss to tell you that
she-loves -you-Donald-be she
knows that II she has made a mistake
and you do not care for her you will
be as truthful with her as she has been
with you"
Donald Asksw sat az II stupetied,
while the struggle between pride and
love went on within him. TO be point
ed out aG the man who married the
rich Miss Vance, to have 1t said of him
that he had feathered his nest we'll
these and kindred possibilities rose up
In his mind and CALLED his spirit be-
yend endurance.
Then his vision cleared, and he saw
Asthlng, Was conscious OF nothing In
the wsrld but a proud. sensitive face
covered with wemsnly shame Before
that visisA his pride went down. and.
leaning forward, he buried bis face In
her lap. A moment later her lips
touched bis hair.
"I'm a brute. a perfect brute" he
xreaned. tie have made ysu de ttr'
You're the brute l love. Though"
was TIE whispered answer.