Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1907-08-08


llong time. But, believe rae he con.
cluded, with 9 singular simplicity and
,boyishness, really couldn't help It,"
Charliewood laughed 3 little and
then sighed to himself.
Il quite understand he said. these
things do and Will happen. and that 1t
wasn't your fault at all. But do think
It's very wrong II a girl who finds that
! she has made mistake doesn't put 1t
right before it becomes unavoidable"
DO you really ~ Rathbone cried.
well. do you know, that's just my
point OF view, and 1t relieves me to
hear you say SO"
"And do you know" Charliewood
replied, that I'm probably the most
intimate friend William GouldesDrougr
has in the world r.
Rathtone started. Good Lord!" he
said. Then what-then why--and
you really mean that you can be
friends with me?
That's Just what do mean" Char
liewood answered. "and now we've got
to the point; will tell you frankly
that, though our meeting was pure
accident In the first place, am awful
" glad that ne did meet and that you
are here tonight. have talked the
whole matter over with poor, dear Sir
William a good deal lately. He has
done me the honor to make me his
confidant In the matter. Two or three
days ago I mentioned that knew
YOU
what did he say = Rathbone asked
quickly.
II can't tell you his words" Charlie
wood answered, "but can tell you
their purport. And 1t was a wonder
full revelation to me Of the strength
and beauty Of my old friends charac-
[ ter. He's me fellow, Rathbone, and
when you know him you'll say so,
too" II NJ 81
know him." Rathbone said. my
dear Charliewood, surely you see
that it's impossible that / should meet
a man to whom have unGonsciousiy
done such great injury :"
"Ah," Charliewood answered, you
don't know William It is just the
possibility which makes his character
SO fine. Practically what he said to-
me was thia: You know this young
fellow, Eustaee. Is he decent sort
OF man? A gentleman in ideas as well
as in position, clean living, and all
that? ri AS far as I know, answer
ed, he's Just SO" in every way.
Once more Rathbone colored up to
the eyes.
Charlewood went on.
"Then William anburdened himself
to me fully 7 only want Marjorie
Poole to be happy he said, and when
the proper time arrives I shall just
write and tell her so. I was fond OF
her, deeply fond Of her; what man
would not be? thought. Il she cared
for nie, that she would be a worthy
mistress OF my house, and an ideal
partner to share my fortune and the
position I have Won. Bnt am much
older than she Is. am immersed, as
you know, In grave scientific pursuits,
and quite realize that I could not
give her what. as a young girl. she
has the right to expect. don't say
THAI srelinauish my claim upon her
without a pang, but SI have other in
terests In my life, and love could in
any case oily pe q part OF it. Do you
know what / should Ike to do more
than anything else. Eustace? What?
said. Why he continued, to meet
this young Mr.. Rathbone. To tell him
~ Sx<,fyf
frankly, to shake him by the hand.
and. by Jove! to be the best man at
his wedding, II he'd let me. Then I
shall get back to my inventions with:
o. quiet mind, knowing that the only
girl who has ever touch slsa in the
least degree Is safe and happy!''5l' 49,
Rathbone pushed Back his chair and
jumped up. i2.s E * s3
Why, heavens." he cried, what a
noble fellow! There's man, IL you
like. can quite see 1t all, Charlie.
wood, and you've relieved my mind Of
d tremendous weight. Lean see 1t all
quite distinctly One Of the most dis,
tinguished and charming men Of the
day sees q beautiful and intellectual
girl. and thinks the time has come
when he must marry. OF course. he
can II really know what love Is, like q
younger mar, or "a man who has not
made his mark In the world. He
cant feel what " feel, for instance.
And 30 he bows to the Inevitable, and
In the kindest and most chivalrous
way want to make every one happy.