The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-10-31

IL WOuh only i Cd1luOI Ifu uy SSAA
Of the thought Of what you have sacri-
feed to be here. Each day has pfung-
ed you deeper into this law'ess barba-
rism-"
There Is where my theory helps
me. Ones life has a general average.
Ny life had no real value to me nor
20 any one else till I came west Pleas
ures come to me now when least ex-
pect them. That is wonderful thing
to me, I thought I had lost all power
to vfvidly enjoy, but I haven't. So
you see 1 am not accusing you or any
one. I have only reason to be thank
full, If only no harm comes to Louis
or my friends here. 1 shall not com-
plain"
"It is very sweet Of you to try to
tighten my sense Of guilt" he replied
gently. "But I cannot absolve myself
SO easily. can understand your theo-
~, bus I cannot understand how you
find Disappointment You have ev-
erything to make you happy
She went On: II am by heritage a
worker. I know that now. My fathers
people were active and calculating
folk, and my life in the city was un-
natural. I've been deliciously hungry
and weary since I've been here-life
seems restored to its balance. You
have done me good-you and splendid
old Matt and sweet Nora
He sprang from his chair and faced
her. ''You mustn't talk to me So" he
exclaimed, almost harshly. II shall
forget my promises and say forbidden
words to lou. You unseat all my good
resolutions
She heard, but ignored his passionate
words A sort Of mental and spiritual
ecklessness had seized her. call my
life in the east and in the Old world,
everything in the past, seems gray, as
If covered by mist The realities
seem to be here. feel grateful to
you, and 7 want to ask favor Of
you"
..Anythtng you ask, except renewal
Of my promise Of silence"
She hesitated before the rising storm
Of his love. 'T want you to let ne
Louis and me-help rebuild your mine. y
"WAat do you mean ?''
ITS SO simple You and Matt need
money. I want you to take Louis into
your mine IS q partner. Hush" she
warningly whispered as the sleepers
head moved on his pillow. "If he lives
he will want to work with you. If he
dies must help you for his sake"
ssHe will not die. He will live. But
you-Ann, there is something back, Of
this" He laid his strong hands upon
her shoulders, looking into her face
with such piercing passion that she
shrank and grew timid. "You need
me? Is that 1t? Am I one Of your
conpensations?
She tried to smile. "That would not
be fattering, according to my theory"
He refused to be diverted. II don't
care what your eastern world thinks
Of me if only you are content with me.
I accept your theory. I deserve COM
pensation-some sweet return for my
lonely, loveless life on the plain Will
you come? Is that what you mean?"
He was master now, stopping at no
polite bar. "I will not let you 60 till
you speak your mind" His physical
hold On her arms softened, but his
spiritual self closed round her. "Six
months ago was rancher in the
foothills, and you were in great east
ern city. We were as wide apart as the
poles. Now, here we are! I don't un-
derstand it. This know-you are
here, and can't let you go. accept
your offer to go into the mine, but not
for Louis sake. I do It for my own
sake because I want you to be my
partner-my wife. What do you say,
Hesper, my star Of the west?'
She put him away almost In terror.
81 can't decide now. I must be sure
sure, and I'm not sure I must have
time to consider. I must so back into
my Old life-to my native city,
"You say you are happier here than
In the east. Why go back at all? Why
risk the loss Of this new found health p
Il will be honest. It is because by
contrast the old. life begins to glow.
The change in me may be due to- phys
ical causes. Perhaps 1 could carry my
recovered Joy Of life back with me. If
this should be SO, then I might never
want to return, and that would be
cruel to you. Don't you see:"
Then You should CO." he answered
quickly. y want to make you happy.
If cannot, then it is better for one to
suffer than Two. Return to New YORK,
and from Tat vantage ground look
back on this Few life If Go not then
seem fitted to make you happy l will
not complain" :"
They ve:e interrupted again, this
time by No:a. who came in pale and
troubled. ROB, where is Matt? Sure,
he has not shown his face since sup
per-"
lies in command Of the guard to-