The Washington times., 1905-12-03

you viii perceive that you merely
waste time. Tel me-do you know
the object Of my visit?"
hesitated a moment. Was there
anything to be gained by pretending
ignorance? None, so far as / could
sec
SO imagine, I replied.
You relieve me of load Of ex-
plantations. There is. however. one
point en- which / myself desire in
formation. Through the courtesy
of the editor-or assistant editor
of that admirable periodical, the
University Review. / was allowed a
glimpse of the manuscript of an
article signed 'Cantab It was a
scurrilous effort, dictated by the
meanest jealousy. 1t was designed
TO destroy my book-my book which
is my life's work-do you UNDER
stand?-my whole life's work"
His voice rose to his last words
till it ended in a shrek of passion.
We'll, and what of that article?b
l answered boldly.
My question Gained him in an in
stant. There was a crafty leer in his
eyes as he spoke again.
"Of course, it was your fathers.
No sentence it contained was un-
worthy of SO scholarly pen. But
why, dear LADY, why vas the original
MSS in your hand?"
My father bad nothing whatever
10 do with it." said, speaking very
slowly and distinctly L wrote it
myself"
YOU" he cried, staring at me.
You wrote it,
Certainly Do you think me in
capable2 II so, l direct your atten-
ton to the record Of the honors that
took at Cambridge"
II ever a lie be pardoned, may
not claim mercy for this ct mine2
viii you swear this to me-"
Why not? I an not ashamed OF
my work"
Ee stood staring at the table in
trent oe hin for some moments, his
hands pressed 20 his head.
she must suffer, then he NUT
tered. But II had known. a girl
st WAS hardy worth the trouble
Don't yen think you had better
so back u yc-,r iEn?" I suggested
Not uItr We have settled cur
little aceoun. together. dear lady.
You ere yoaag. yet youn5 vipers can
sting. Is it net better at once 30 put
an end . their powers OF nischief?'
Yet Tic young can run where the
old cannot follow. I an nearer the
door than you Al your first move
ment l shall be Gear OF the house"
'And leave you- father as host
age"
His words struck NE like a blow.
1 swayed forward. gripping the table
with both hands He could have
seized me then if he had wished:
but ne knew was IN his power, and
held away
DO not forget that, dear lady"
he continued; 1t must be either you
or him. There IS no way OF escape
for both. I am afraid
am writing down the facts as
they occurred l desire no credit
for following my duty. What l did
then, many thousands of girls would
do today. For there remained no
way out of the pit into which We
had fallen-my father and I-save
one. and that 1 accepted gladly,
readily.
Then take me- [ said TO him
You have sadly upset my little
arrangements. 1 had not thought
of SO fair an offender Let me see"
He paused, softly rubbing his chin
There was u cat-like qualification
about the creature as he stood glanc-
ing at me from time TO time, with
smile flickering on his thin lips;
and all the while my soul was
searching, searching for the way OF
escape that l could not find.
"On the whole. it is the happiest
plan" he said suddenly, with little
sigh of relief. Let us make a move
TO the front door"
The sun was dropping 10 the west
eTn sea in angry banks of cloud His
rays shOne so strongly in our faces
that | had TO shade my eyes as he
pointed out the manner in which
death should come TO me.
You are a strong, brave girl he
said with a little bow, ''or l would
not suggest 50 novel a scheme. /
shall sit here in the porch and watch
you as you walk over the moor,
down into the little valley, up again,
and so 70 the cliff edge. After q
time for suitable meditation-let us
say two minutes-you Will step of
into eternity. Do not fear, il is N