Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1907-12-04

The dinner was ended. Neither Of
the diners had noticed the food or
drink. Each had eaten with mechan-
ical lips. They had spoken little dur
ing the meal, but now Sanford leaned
across the table and spoke In swift,
earnest tones.
Surely" he said, you cannot want
to remain. Your husband neglects you.
He Is wrapped up in his scientific
work. At this moment he Is hundred
miles away, lecturing to a crowd Of
clod-hoppers on The Origin Of Species
while his wife Is left here in Chicago
to divert herself as best she can"
''Hush!" she cried. "I will not hear
q word against Tom. He has been good
30 me-"
20, Of course, I know that. Person
ally, 1 admire and like him immensely,
but 1t pains me to see you married to
a man who has no time~to give you the
attention you deserve. Besides, he can
not love you as do"
'SThen-then you do love me-" she
murmured, leaning towards him and
looking at him with a piteous express
sion.
''You know I do. I'd forfeit my life
In this world. and all chances Of the
next, for your sake"
at sounds sweet to hear you talk
like that-and yet often wonder how
long such love as this would last. 1t
is like a huge flame, Paul, which burns
out quickly"
He shook his head.
TRY me and see," he pleaded. 81
swear that L will love and worship you
as long as 1 live"
Then, leaning towards her again, he
took her hand and held it In wild,
passionate grip.
Ruth" he muttered hoarsely, come
away with me tonight. This is our
chance. Your husband will return to-
morrow, and then it may be too late
Come away with me, my darling, and
turn your back on this weary, empty
life. We are both young, and the world
lies before us. Our lives shall be a
golden summer day. We shall drink
the cup Of JOY to the dregs and find no
bitterness even there"
He spoke with amazing sincerity, and
II was obvious that he was deeply at
tached to her. This was not the first
time that he had spoken the words Of
temptation, but never had they sound
cd so alluringly In the ears of Ruth
70 nj 9Th
a truth she was indeed lonely, and the
coming of Sanford's guilty love had
brought color and glow into her life.
TIT would be SO wicked" she fall
tered "And, after oil, Tom Is good to
me-"
Dearest, he has his work to console
him. In a short time he will turn to
1t, and you will be nothing but mem
DRY. He Is q man for whom work holds
the highest place In the scheme Of
things, and love ranks far behind. Have
no care concerning him."
Sanford perceived that his words
were making q keen impression on
Ruth, and he went on:
Ruth, listen. At half past 10 to-
night 1 will bring my motor round to
this house. Join me then, and we
will travel to Milwaukee. The servants
will not suspect anything, for you often
have gone for these evening drives IN
the car, and why not again tonight?
Come. Put your dear hand In mine,
my darling, and say Yes"
She did not reply. Her breast heav-
ed like the waves OF the wind tossed
sea. Her breath came and went with
sharp spurts. Her heart thumped furi-
GUS blood.
Say yes" he pleaded.
I'll cannot decide at once. No. no.
You-you must give me time, Paul"
He rose from the table and stood
looking at her with wild eyes.
al will return at half past 10 with
the motor" no said in a low voice.
"You Will let me have your answer
then"
Eyes, yes; you shall have 1t then"
He came towards her and took her
hand.
Ruth" he said gently, God knows
that love you better than anything on
earth, and 1 swear to you that If you
come away with me you never shall re-
greet your action. Never. 1 will watch
over you and protect you and love you"