Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-05-16
CHAPTER xvIll-(continued)

WISH MISS weston ana Llen joined INC
other ladies in the drawing-room,
leaving Mr.. Sedgewick and me to
our cigars and benedictine. fear
made a poor companion, for my
thoughts were far away and realized
that, like myself, but with greater
success, Miss Carney had been wear
ing an air of forced gaity and good
spirits all the evening.
was heartily glad when the guests
were ready to leave, and, although
was tired from my practically sleep
less night, wandered disconsolately
about the place until nearly ten, when
seated myself in quiet corner Of
the veranda to smoke small cigar
before retiring to my room. My
brain was 80 overwhelmed with the
realization that my hearts desire lay
within my reach that sat in stupid.
ly dazed sort Of way revolving the
matter slowly In my mind and try.
ing to determine the proper course
to pursue.
My cigar was nearly burned out
and I was on the point Of going to
my room when shadow fell across
the railing in front Of me and Miss
Carney stood by my side.
q wondered If you would be here"
she said, nervously. II wanted to see
you, for there is something forgot
to say to you last night"
She had slipped long coat Of
dainty brocaded stun over her dinner
dress and, as she stood In the
light OF the drawing-room window,
she made picture worthy the brush
OF the greatest genius that ever
lived
Il won't sit down. thank you" she
continued, interlocking her fingers
and playing with her rings as II
greatly agitated. You know, Annie
is growing steadily worse. and the
doctor from the village says she
must have a nurse, 80 have tele-
graphed for two to come at once.
oh! thought that dinner would never
end.
She seemed to feel tthe chilliness Of
the night air, but, declining my offer
to get her an additional wrap, she
drew the fur trimmed collar Of her
cloak more closely about her neck,
and went on hurriedly:
you remember once told you
that Annie and Jack, my brother. had
some sort Of disagreement just be
fore he went away and that he left
this country because OF 1t. Well,
Annie told me some time ago that
was entirely wrong In my under
standing Of the matter, and ] have
wanted to tell you all about it so
many times. only | could never bring
myself to speak OF It,"
\ She paused, and l could see that
she was weeping softly, but | had
myself we'll in hand, and even be-
fore could speak. she ( resumed
slowly:
"You saw Jack when he returned,
Mr.. Ware, and you must know how
feel about it all. but since Annie has
told me that he went away only be-
cause, when she knew Of the nature Of
her disease and that her condition
was hopeless, she broke the en-
gagement between them and insisted
upon his leaving her In the hope
that his love would finally die out,
"a cannot but look upon the matter
IN different light. That is why I
have tried to do everything in my
power for Annie, for, while at first
merely valued her as friend. !
now love her as sister, but ! have
never been able to bring myself
to point where could condone
Jacks behavior. He has my sym
pathy, Of course, but he has no
reason to follow the course he has
and few or no excuses can be made
for him."
Her feelings overcame her at last
and, wiping away her tears, she sank
into the chair that ] had left and
continued, plaintively:: /,
b annie speaks Of him now almost
all the time, and the doctor asked me
about 1t, and when told him he said
that il Jack could come to her at
once 1t might do her world of good.
/ know It is dreadful risk to take
in many ways, for Annie did not
see him when he was here before.
and has no idea Of the depths to
which he has sunk, but perhaps he
would realize his position and do
better with her. What do you think
about it?"
II hardly know what to say" re-
piled. "Have you spoken to Miss
Weston about sending for him|
"Oh, yes" she returned, "and l
don't know what to do at all When
ever l speak Of Jack It only throws
her into a hysterical state, and just
as soon as she thinks / am out of
hearing she begins to say those dread
ful things 1 told you about. I am
afraid it Is a matter we will have
to decide for ourselves, Mr.. Ware.
How would it do to get your
brothers own opinion and see how
he feels?" l suggested. Either you
or /, or even both Of us, might write
him and put the matter clearly before
him. If there is any good left
in him-you will pardon me. Miss
Carney, I hope, for / spoke very