The Virginia enterprise., 1906-08-10

great magazine to take up a series of
Investigations along the lines of his
writings on the basis of very liberal
salary. A representative of the maga-
zine had come to see him and close
with him. The interview was over and
he had come straight to :Alice.Sr = J
So they stood, she looking into his
eyes with lf-etfacing devotion, and he
looking into hers with the expression
of hunted stag.
How did 1t come out, dear?" she
asked, eagerly. -,
Il have signed with them," he said,
gravely.
"Oh> Clarence" she said, claspins
her hands, land were they nice about
the salary?"
They pay me more than L. ever
hoped tc earn,' he replied, looking at
her with. an inscrutable expression.
She flushed like schoolgirl and her
eyes sought the carpet.
A. great >spasm of pain crossed the
mans face.
"Aiice," he said, harshly, Il have
something to tell YOU
YES" she said, simply.
"Our engagement must end"
The woman looked at him, stunned.
Then she smlled-a rare, sweet smile,
such as only Alice had.
"Come, no Joking" she said. Its
too happy a night"
1T is true" said he, fercely. II tell
you am going out into the world now
and I will not be hampered by any
woman"
She looked at him, at first with in
credulity; then with horror; then: e.
"As you desire, Clarence $50 it, Is for
your hest interest. Remember, though,
you are not SO strong as you were 20
years ago. Be careful OF yourself
A lock OF agony came into his eyes.
Then followed an expression of mas
terful determination. ~
Let us part without scene" he
said, coldly. Neither of us want it. l
Il have many things to look after to-
night. leave in the morning. Good
Bly,"
He took her hand coldly and hast
ened lway. - .,....~s>
The woman dropped her face In her
hands and the sobs came straight from
her heart.
1T is not true!" she, said again and
again to herself. "It is not true! He
is not disloyal. He is not cold. What
is it? What is it?''
A low sound like moan; aroused
her, and she fastened to the door
There was a huddled heap on the side
walk outside. She flew down the steps
and in a moment had Clarence's un~
conscious head in her lap. She un-
loosed his collar and called for help.
Water, brandy and chafing presently
brought him around.
"Alice!" he whispered, kiss me-"
What is it all about?" she aske,:,
as she lifted her lips from his.
This is it," he said. "The doctors
warned me years ago. It is the begin
ming OF the end. l could not let you
sacrifice your life to my broken one. I
knew. you would if gave you chance,
SO resolved to drive you away ,:.::.:j
"Sacrifce!" she exclaimed-then,
laughing Historically, ''You great
goose"
What did the doctors say?" she de-
manded.
"That might be stricken down at
any moment unless | gave up all work
and went into the country and lived
without worry and nervous excitement.
This is only a warning. But it pre-
sages the emil"
':We will so into the country, Clar
ence," she said, simply. Il have d
small inheritance and plenty ..ot
strength. We will get small place
and you can cultivate it: l. can make
ends meet on very little and maybe
you can write some from time to time
as you get stronger" ~
The glory of love-light came into
the mans face Then the cloud of des-
pair. IT,"
Il cannot; accept the sacrifice" he
said, determinedly.
''Sacrif1ce!" she exclaimed, again.
Then, with the same hysterical laugh
ter as before, she added, "You goose!"
Whereupon she bent down and placed
her lips on his, where they remained
a lohg time
And he threw his arms about her
and ali the determinations and all the
resistance faded from his race.
! copyright, 1906, by Daily Story Pub. CO..
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