The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1906-01-20

self.
You see, he has a treasure beyond
price In his keeping, and he guards II
jealously."
For moment the drift of his remark
oid not strike her; she concluded he was
abiding to the secret of her fathers
olrth, which she had thought was
known only to Lord Summers. She was
surprised that ho should know the Sc
cret; but she said nothing, and quietly
awaited an explanation.
FEELING was slightly disconnected by
her- unexpected silence and her inauirinp
gaze. He felt that he had committed
himself In some way, and honestly re-
GREETED that he had been so indiscreet
but he felt that he had gone too far tc
recede, and therefore went on reckless
| ly.
"Mr. Mallett is well aware that IL a
man meets you often he must learn to
love you"
He stopped abruptly after this, and
noticed the quick flush that overspread
her race; then. impeled by an irresisti-
Die impulse, he continued:
L know l ought not to say this to
you without first speaking to Mr.. NAL
lett; but he has been so kind to me that
have allowed myself to hope he would
not object to me as a son-in-law, be-
yond the one great objection that ap-
plies to every one-I should rob him of
you. Yet l would not even do that en-.
tirely. He should have his own rooms
In our home, and he could be with us as
OFTEN and as long as he liked l would
make both so happy, If you would let
me! would cherish you so tenderly
and take such care Of you that an anx-
lous thought should never come near
you, and the trouble in your face which
l cannot help seeing sometimes should
die from sheer hamilton"
He paused, while Ethel sat quite still.
her hands pressed closely together in
her lap, the flush still burning in her
cheek. He yearned to take her into his
arms and hold her there; but, reading
distress In her burning cheeks and avert
ed eyes, he determined not to press for
an answer to-day.
I'm afraid I've worried and dis
tressed you. I'm very sorry. l won't
trouble you about it any more just now.
Try to think the best you can of what
l have said, and let us go on for a time
as we have been, good friends" He
rose from his seat, and held out his
hand to her.
Ethel was touched more than she
thought was possible by the unselfish-
ness Of his words. He had made no
allusion to his own feelings or suffer-
lngs, yet she knew the suspense he
would undergo If matters were left as
they stood then. She resolved to tell
him everything, and let him decide.
Don't go for few minutes, please"
she besought him, nervously. II have
something l ought to tell you. l have
loved some one else very dearly"
de looked gravely and pityingly at the
pretty flushed face; but there were no
signs of surprise as he answered.:
II guessed as much. You must for
give me for having played the spy; but
l loved you so dearly from the first mo-
ment 1 saw you that l could not help
watching you, and l found 1t out. I
know that whoever is to blame for the
breaking off of this previous engage
ment, it is not you; and, in spite of the
fact of your having promised in the
past to be the wife of another, 1 am
longing to hear you repeat that promise
to me. If you can bring yourself to do
1t, will try my best to deserve my great
happiness by my devotion to you"
Again the thought rose In Ethers
heart, IF l had only known this man
before I knew Jackr' All that she could
find words to say was: How good you
are"
NAY, I am afraid there is no great
goodness In me; but l would try to be
all goodness to you. VIII you let me
try"
Should she confess that she still suf.
fersd from the pangs or sighted lover
There was short struggle in her mind
between pride and honesty. The latter
prevailed, and she rose from her seat
and crossed to the fireplace. She held
the mantelboard firmly by one hand, and
then, regarding him steadily, she said,
without pause or tremor:
you do not understand what II Ia 7
want you to know. 1t Is only very late
y that my engagement with some one
slse was broken of-so lately, indeed,
that l have not recovered from il. I
wish you to bear this in mind-that I |
am still sorry about 1t. At the same |
lime l know you have done me a great |
honor, for think you are true and hon |
,rable, and believe that If I had time
% leave this sad memory behind me I
'ould honestly accept you, and bring not
only my gratitude but my love to our
home; as things are just now l eel II
would not be right to say simply would
'e your wife without letting you know
low 1t Is with me.
Poor Ethel Her heart was laid bare
low, and she trembled violently. Polling
anne over to her and warmly took both
Ter hands In his.
my pearl among womenW he ex-
my pure, truthful, little lovew
Her hands trembled In his firm clasp,
IS he led her to her fathers armchair
md went down upon his knees, still hold
ng her hands tightly.
Now, listen to me, my darling, and
When l say anything of which you dis
pprove, stop me. l shall see your faith
r and explain everything to him;
hall claim the privilege of doing what
can to make your life a little brighter
nd pleasanter in the present. l shall
ot talk of love to you In any way.