Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-27

with an unaccuStomed note. Let's under-
stand each other" His own words to Perham
the night beforei Whatever foolish things
we may have thought and said as children"
she broke off suddenly. "Surely you must
know why am here, Boyce1"
Il do not"
"Then will tell you, and the blunter am
the better for us both. 1t is not pretty con-
fession, since you still believe in the Ruth
Calvert you knew centuries ago." Her voice
was weary "She got tired of the struggle,
Boyce and died. When Milly sent for me-
knew she was thinking of my future. I hum
bled my pride and let her give me all the clothes
I am wearing. We have the decency not to
talk about it; but know what I'm expected
to do, and 1 can't fail Milly-and Boyce, I
don't want to. l sold myself when l let her
dress me, and now I'm going to sell myself all
over again to some man who will dress me
always"
Boyce recoiled as from physical blow, and
she WINGED with the knowledge. Why do
you talk such rot, Ruth! You couldn't do it.
You know you couldn' t..
ooh, yes, l can, Boyce This Ruth can.
You won't remember that yours is dead. I'm
thought beauty, now l have fine feathers.
Two men have proposed to me here. One was
rich enough to satisfy Milly; but SO impossible
i couldn't do it. She was nice, but disap-
pointed. The other is not so rich, but BRAIN
less and amiable. He is still dangling. Surely,
Boyce" she went on in the same monotonous,
lifeless fashion, you know why she wanted
Mr.. Perham presented? She was heavenly
agreeable to me afterward. I-Boyce, if he
asks me, l shall have to marry him, and he
almost asked me last night"
Oh he did! did her" muttered Boyce. His
world seemed slippery just then. There was
no mistaking Ruth's earnestness.
ooh, l know how contemplate l seem to
you how contemplate l really am; but |
couldn't take the step without telling you l
despise myself. / should have written you,
and perhaps have begged you to come to see
me once so might ask you to forgive me. Will
you Boyce?"
ruth Calvert, where is your p1uck?"
"An gone! You don't know what it is to
walk SO many miles to save carfare that your
feet won't carry you any farther! l am a
tired out coward"
Ruth, have you forgotten?"
She WINGED again, and her words came in
you'll"
He asked with tense voice and sharp dis
tinctness, "You can marry Perham!"
"Boyce, he is much better than the
others. Milly says he is respected among men,
man of his word l think-oh, | must! I
can't fail! Think what comforts l can heap
around aunty! My spirit is broken. Perhaps
l shall love him some day
Ruth for Gods sake and your own woman
hood and the honor of your family, cut all
this and marry me to-day! You are mad!
Marry me and let the devil and all his works
go hangp'
81 can't, Boyce, can't! It's in my blood
now, this infection. I've had taste of ease
and luxury. I'm thirsty for more! It's only
the sight of you that stirs the old self l did
love you once!" They had reached the Break
ers, and she held out her hand.
Gods! l can't let you go like this!' he
cried. 1--WE been too stunned to argue with
YOU Walk on farther
"No!' she said fercely. "No! My weak
ness is over. If you ever loved me, you will
never speak of this to me again. 1t is good by
foreverl' She turned and almost ran into the
hotel.
That night when they were Waiting to-
gether, silently, desperately, Boyce whispered
one last appeal. She looked mournfully into
his eyes, then closed her own and answered:
Good by"
When Perham raped at Meade's door after
the ball, he found him busily packing "My
dear fellow" he asked, what does this meant"
lust that I'm not very game. l have ac-
complished what you brought me for and
must get back to town."
mot bit of it! Buck up, and be my best
man."
"Oh, it's all settled, is it," The shaft of
scorn recoiled, blunted against Perharn's pink
armor.
"Well, yes. She's got an eye to the main
chance. But confound it! who could blame
her? She's fit to be queen, and she can walk
over me all right. By Jovei she'll take reef
or two out of some of those Fifth Avenue
swells. Have a cigar?"
"Thanks" Meade LIGHTED II deliberately