Morris tribune., 1905-05-13
Glove ft2 7 hated III R,1t T bod -

in this very spot; remember youl
words. Do you not recall them? If
stood in the pathway of liberty for {
single instant should despise the mar
who would not sweep me aside with
out moments hesitation Don't vol
know you said that, Katharine?'
'Did I say it? All, but that was be
fore | loved you so and you swept me-
aside. Well, love you still, and, John
honor you for it, too. but I could moi
, do it. You see, | am only woman"
Kate, don't say only a woman that
way. What else would I have you
pray? But tell me of yourself"
Briefly she recited the events that
had occurred to her, dwelling much up
on Desborough's courage and devotion
to her in the first days of her captivity
the death of Johnson, the burning of
Norfolk. the death of Bentley. He in
terrupted her there and would fain
hear every detail of the sad scene over
again, thanking her and blessing her
for what she had done.
ut was nothing" she said simply. "I
loved to do it. He was your friend. It
seemed to bring me closer to you"
Then she told him of the foundering of
| the ship, of the frightful voyage in the
boat, and rang the changes upon Des-
| borough's name-his cheerfulness, his
unfailing zeal and energy-until Sey-
mour's heart filed with jealous pain.
"Kate," he said at last, "as came I'D
the road I saw man leave the boat
house and climb the hill. Who was it?'
cit was Lord Desborough, John"
! Seymour was human and filed with
human feeling. He drew away from
her.
"What was he doing here?" he said
| coldly. She smiled at him merrily.
Bidding me goodby. He was made
prisoner, of course, by the first soldier
we came across after we landed and
las been spending the days of his cap
| tvity with us. He was exchanged to-
| day and leaves tonight
katharine, he was in love with
you," he said, with what seemed to
him marvellous perspicacity.
Eyes, john" she answered, still smil-
ing.
"Was he making love to you here?''
eyes,
'And you? You praise this man; you
like him; YOU
II think him the bravest man, the
truest gentleman in the world-eXcept
this one" she said, laying her hand
upon his shoulder and her head upon
his breast mo, no; he pleaded in vain.
l only pitied him. loved you. Do not
be jealous, foolish boy. No one should
have me. 1 am yours alone
"But if l had not come back, Kate
how then?'
''It would have made no difference. l
told him So"
Neither of them in their mutual alb
sorption had noticed that a horse had
stopped in the road opposite the boat
house and horseman had walked to
the door and had halted at the sight
which met his eyes. Desborough recog-
nized Seymour at once, and he had I'M
Willingly heard the end of the conver-
sation He was the second. The man
gallant gentleman stood still q mo-
ment, making no sound, then turned
back and mounted his horse and rode
madly away with despair in his heart.
ooh, Katharine" Seymour said at
last, "do you know that I am a poor
man now? Lame! See, can no Ion
ger walk straight" He stood up.
"Poor surgery after the battle did
that"
''The more reason that in the future
you should not go alone" she said
softly, standing by his side
"And with but one arm," he con-
tinued.
''No, three she said again, "for here
are two"
Besides, my trading ships have been
captured by the enemy. my private
fortune has been spent for the cause.
am poor man in every sense"
"Nay, John, you are a rich man." she
said gayly.
ooh, yes, rich in your love, Katha
rine."
Eyes, that of course, if that be riches,
and richer in honor too; but that's not |
ALL
''What else pray dearest"
"Did you know that Madam Talbot |
had died" she answered. with appar- |
ent irrelevance.
''No, but l am not surprised at it.
After her sons death / expected it, |
poor lady. He loved you too, Kate. |
We fought about you once" he said: |
and then he told her briefly of Tai |
bots end, his burial, the interview he
had with Talbot's mother, and the let |
ter.
''I have seen that letter since re-
turned" she said. cit is at FairvieW |
Hall now awaiting you, awaiting its |
master like the other things there-and |
here Shall we live there, think you.
John?'
Awaiting me! Its master! Live
there! What mean you, Kate?" he |
cried in surprise.
"Yes, yes, it is all yours" she replied,
I9nghinp at his oStOnishmoOt q sEA codi-