Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1907-12-05

'iNHi'iS ioSS, Wlil an expression IN
tent, alert. as though he were waiting
for someone.
a door opened and closed, a light
step crossed the hall. a hand was laid
upon the chair-back.
oh" said Miss Croydon. Il thought
where is Mr.. D%rysdalc?"
Tremaino arose slowly.
"Drysdale." he said. With n mean
ing look which did not escape her,
was unable to resist the charms of
the evening. He has gone for u walk.
He said he would not be back for a
couple OF hours. Please sit down.
1T was more of a command than an
INVITATION. and she yielded to ii re-
%luctantly.
y an stay but a moment" she
said. Edith is not at all we'll and
needs me. Why are you waiting here"
He pulled Il chair close beside her.
II was waiting for YOU he said
calmly. II don't think You quite real
ize yet that l am in earnest"
ITO be in earnest would be in
famous"
NO indeed; not to be in earnest
would be infamous. I'm paying you
the greatest compliment I'm capable
my wife"
Why keep up that ~mockeryo" she
demanded scornfully.
1T is not a mockery. The past is
dead"
ut is not dead; You have brought
III to life. 1t is becoming intOlerable."
II know it, therefore | offer to make
II tolerabie. L lave no wish to perse-
cute anyOne."
Then why do your"
Necessity
oh, ~nonsense!"
Listen" he said. with sudden in
tensity leaning toward her and look
ing in her eyes. IF | can prove to you
that the past is really dead-dead past
recall-dead past hope of resurrection
will you marry me-"
She looked at him without shrink
ing.
MOI" she answered.
~ see what it is he said between
nus teeth: lit Is not hat / do not awak-
en- an answering chord in you'll do
l can see tive We're set apart for
each other . 1t is not that you do not
long to break through this silly Eng
l!sh age which has always hedged YOU
about remember that you are really
French in every drop of your blood.
1t is this pink-and-white nonentity
VINO stands between us. You've fallen
In love with his baby face-but it's not
the low OF Il woman for u man. it's
the love of a mother for her child. That
other love you as yet know nothing of
out 1t shall he my part to teach it
you-my p~rivilege-my great mission
and l shall enjoy the fruits of it.
Deep In your heart you know that the
pale feeling you have for this hoy is
not love-not strong. passionate, ma
ture love-the love tina seizes and
conquers, that takes one through heav-
en- through hell. Not many women
are capable of such a ove-they're too
cold. too selfish. But you're capable
OF 1t. II when 1t comes to you. as 1
swear it shall come, you'll not stop to
4 ONoS110n tho nn0t. Vn11pt 1o01. -,,1,-
toward the future-youll not stop to
ask what the world thinks: you'll heed
only the longfngs Of you own heart"
She had sat s%pell-bound. gazing at
him. chained By the soundo Of his voice,
by his vehemence. She reused her
self with an effort.
III / should love-" she said, II should
at least choose a gentleman"
He interrupted with a dry laugh.
There spoke the Philistine-the
English variety! Your heart wasn't
IN IT; Let me tell you that you
would be only the man you love. And
nave you chosen a gentleman? Does
q gentleman listen at the turn of the
stairs to a conversation not intended
Tor him? He did listen: he told YOU
OF his ridiculous doubts Of you. What
conditions. to demand explanations?
explanations from a woman like you!"
He has a right"
He has no right-he's a beggar at
your table! II ne can't hold you, it's
his fault. not yours. nj he can't hold
could hold you!"
"Yes-perhaps Eve beat met"
he looked at her. his Eyes agleam.
Perhaps" he agreed. his mouth
working with eagerness. Perhaps I
hould But IL | did. you would stab
me In The night
He was weaving the spell about her
again: she gazed at him, half fasci-
mated.
Yes" she said intensely; "yes-1
should like to do 1t now!"
HIS eyes flashed with sudden
And yet you think yourself in love
with D%rysdale!" he cried. Did he
ever awaken a wish like that in you?"
NO: thank God!" and she shivered
slightly.
he was radiant. assured.
o any other feeling except a baby
mixing! Yet you yield to his fancied
~ vas TO- do that you came here to-
Who told you that?"
Then Why isn't he herer"
he preferred to commune with ma
ture., Iremaine answered. in an in
descFtbable one. Think Of any man
preferring nature to you-preferring
anything to you-life. honorary
thing! Do o know what I'm long
ing to do? I'm longing to take you
IN my arms and hold you fast and kiss
You on those red lips of yours-kiss
you. kiss you"
He was half out Of his chair, lean
Ing over her. Another instant-but his
ears caught the opening of q door,
Her comes Delroy." he said 1 n an
q n rising suddenly. his hands
him!"
She lay back in her chair. relaxed