The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1907-05-10

the Young woman whose clear gray
eyes intently regarded him was cloud
ed, too.
mo, Martin" she presently broke
the silence, 81 cannot be persuaded"
He looked at her tenderly.
ST am selfish enough to think you
are wrong" he said, 'but that's
lovers unfairness. Anyway, there is
no question about the beauty of the
sacrifice you are making"
81 am only doing what I believe 70
be my duty, Martin"
"And you would marry me if it were
not for George?'
She hesitated moment.
'T-I think I would, Martini
He moistened his lips.
George looms very large and very
formidable" he said. what can be
done with him?"
The girl sighed.
Nothing
There was a little silence.
at isn't right" murmured the man
beneath his breath, and there was bit
terness in his tone.
SIT is the only thing can do" said
the girl.
'eYou know he isn't worth the sacri-
fce."
He is my brother"
The man drew long breath
'fSuch brother"
The girls face flushed.
ST cannot discuss this even with
you, Martin. must do my duty as l
see it. George needs my care. My
mother with her last words asked me
to watch over him, to be his helpful
friend when all others deserted him.
will carry out my promise"
The young man looked up eagerly.
"Let me help you care for MN,
Margery.'
"No, Martin. He shall be my dis
grace alone"
Her head dropped, her gaze was
turned from him.
"And can nothing be done?"
Nothing. have had the best medi-
cal advice. 1t was of no avail. He
will do nothing to help himself. He
is utterly Indifferent to his condition.
morphine He has been given the So
called cures The instant the next
temptation assailed him he fell before
1t. There is but one thing that prom
ises any relief. If he could be taken
away from this perilous atmosphere,
far away from these wicked friends
who are sapping his life and his
money, if he could be made to fight
out the battle with himself alone and
unaided-why, it would either cure or
kill him. And that they tell me, is
the only hope"
Martin stared hard at the floor.
l would be glad to help George II
could" he said, "but he repels me.
He appears to regard me as an enemy"
He paused and then looked up. 81
have told you, Margery, that on your
decision an important move in my ca
reer depends. If you will marry me
will remain here in Somerton. If not,
l will accept an offer 1 have to go to
Egypt where a contracting engineer is
needed" He looked at her anxiously.
SIS there any hope?"
mo, Martin"
81 will be gone at least two years"
eyes"
"Will you wait, Margery?"
do not ask me to make any prom
Uses, Martin. cannot tell what may
happen"
He hesitated an instant.
"You have sufficient income?"
Eyes" He arose.
Il must wire my acceptance of the
offer tonight and start tomorrow"
Before she could answer this the
outside door was noisly slammed and
a heavy football was heard in the
hail. The girl drew little nearer to
her guest. A young man staggered
through the doorway. He was very
slender and very pale-and very
drunk.
"George!" said the girl in pitiful
cry.
whats that?" he muttered thickly.
as that you, Martin Henley? What
you doing here? Maxim love to my
sister? She don't want nothin' to
do with you. She's got her dear
brother to look after Good night,
Martin Henley, goo night" He
lurehed toward the sofa and fell
upon it heavily.
Martin Henley, his eyes avoiding
those of the girl passed into the hall.
The girl followed him. He turned
quickly as they neared the outer door.