The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-09-17

Maurice. you know that 1 care for
your
II know that care for YOU" He
looked steadily out into the darkness.
Maurice. / count you the most gem
erous person 1 know. You know nothing
about me. and you have never asked
anything. You have taken me all on
trust. Few men would do that.
He remained motionless. You are
Mrs. Maxtead's cousin; you live with
her. What was there to ask?
+ She shook her head. THAT doesn't
fill everything. We each have some
personal thing to make life difficult:
each our own responsibilities. as told
you this morning. In these three weeks
have been forgetting mine. and tonight
they have Weakened me up She paused.
He turned swiftly. Then this busI-
ness is yours, not Mrs Maxtead's?"
She looked away. Hers and mine
Our affairs are one
And you are in trouble?" With an
abrupt gesture he put out his hand
What jealous inconsiderate savage |
have BEEN"
She laid her cold fingers in his and
smiled Thank you. Maurice. just for
a minute 1 feared-and-and 1 couldn't
have fought battle tonight / feel so
tired
Without a word he passed his arm
round her and drew her back to the
desk. There will be no battles for YOU
while l am here to fight them. What
ever this thing is that has risen UP to
you understand
Sha fo1,chad her line
kerchief. and slowly gathered up her
strength. After this. Maurice" she
corrected gently, after this, things will
be left to you: but in this one case I
must act for myself. I'm afraid there $
no drawing back"
Which implies" He searched her
face.
Her lips were cold. but she met his
gaze staunchly. (which implies, Maui
rice, that something has happened that
L never counted on, never looked for:
something that involves other people
besides myself. And | want you TO give
me the greatest help it's in your power
to give: 1 want you TO let me think of
you here-away from the hateful har-
lssing world-thinking of me and believ-
ing in me. till can send for you You
know that I'll send the first moment
that I CAM
My dear child, the harassing world
is mans place"
The finer of him to relinquish it for
little"
"Strodes eyes were puzzled and per-
picked Women are incomprehensiblel :"
he said at last. First a mysterious
secret, now A mysterious mission; it
sounds like the last century. How many
days will this thing take. provided 1 do
consent"
-Four weeks from today"
He took a step backward Weeks:
Do you know what you are saying?''
Perfectly; to an hour"
" But a month-a whole MONTH What
does it mean? What under heaven am
/ to do with myself for a month"; He
| looked blank.
AS you have done every other year.
Sail and fish and read" She stopped.
checked by the look in his eyes
! He came quite close to her and took
her hands. THAT is a very easy pro-
gram TO make out" he said but YOU
don't know what you say. Sailing and
fishing are poor sport when one has tried
love. You can tell me to stay away from
you. but you can't do more than tell"
Her fingers showed white against his;
she looked unsteadily round the room
! then slowly. reluctantly, her glance re-
| turned to his.
Maurice, you said tonight that you
were proud of my relying on you Have
/ relied too much?"
His hand frightened on hers, then re-
Taxed: he dropped her fingers and turned
| again to the window.
There was a long wait Anna made
no movement, but her face looked very
| tired.
At last Strobe spoke without looking
round. Man makes a poor sort O,
lover. after all. Anna; he needs lo
OF reminding"
She took a step forward. Maurice"
He was silent.
"Maurice?"
He wheeled round and looked at her
Haven't you known all along that ;
saint would give you anything yo,
asked, If you only put It to him straight
l don't know what you want TO do; bu
, 1 trust you like myself OF course II
wait"