Los Angeles herald., 1907-06-16

to be accented without criticism, and as long
as criticism does not daunt you, shall feel
contented But men of genius who stand
rough treatment as beginners often become bitter
when the attacks maintained, Bitterness won't
suit YOU" ,,, >,
"Well." she said, you're not vain, and to have
no vanity is often more useful in public life than
any amount of courage. You have courage, too.
Altogether am not afraid for YOU And now
there's something else want to say"
Paget's breath came quickly, and, for the first
time since her arrival, she showed a visible en-
barrassment.
81 curse my selashness every day." he said
Don't do that We were both selfish"
"No--not you. Never you
Eve We're both young and heedless.I fell madly
in love with you and you thought you were in love
with me- There is no one to blame. The hard
thing is she added, smiling that we cannot get
riage, and divorce is impossible
II suppose So"
Undoubtedly. have no intention of placing
myself in the wrong First of all, there's the child.
You can think of that yourself hope you will.
Why spoil the whole of your life? But / must
think of the child. 1t sh'ant be said that he had
bad mother. They may say, if they like, that his
father was a genius That won't inure him!'
"You know how l hate this topic" he said, 1--WE
must make the best of it. There's one in the
world whom care for quite as care for you"
''That believe"
tits in an unsatisfactory way. know. SUPP
pose you terribly mistaken in me?"
mo- my dear mot in you--in life. After all, we
have had very happy times together. I'm sure l
loved you most devotedly. have quite recovered,
but it seems that we must both be charming or we
could remain such good friends"
"You are charming am not"
Darling, you are not to blame. You wanted
life all music, and flowers, and light and beautiful
colors! Nothing dull, nothing ugly, nothing pain
full, nothing to make you wretched! You couldn't
bath, and baby! You couldn't endure the land
lady, the other dodgers, the smoking chimney, and
the same cold Joint three days running. 1t was
easier for rae, because the child is such delightful
and he slept beautifully my arm, matter how
hard the bed was--of course it was all easier for
me-"
"But you little used to dscomforts as
was. You making me feel ashamed of myself
"a wretched creature!"
mo! Yon tried to bear 1t. saw you were
sinking under It, 1t was horrible. know that
I'm not genius because sordd things don't jar
me. dislike them, but they don't weigh on me
as they oppress you. We should both have died
If we had not separated And then what would
have become Of the boy? Everything has been for
She hesitated-she rose from her chair and went
over to the fireplace where she knet the hearth
rug and held out her hands to the fading fire..
''But think he ought to be told now that he Is
your son. He would be proud of you. You could
go down and see him at his dear little school Boys
love to exhibit handsome parents and relatives.
He'll be seven next month. Let go down to-
gether to see him on his birthday. 1t can't hurt
either of us to acknowledge our marriage now. In
fact, it would sound romantic, and people would be
amused
Nov" said Paget, "now-after all these
years?"
''For the boys sake They all know that was
legally married to somebody, but now I'm better
known it is difficult to keep up the mystery. They
may begin to suspect iisagreeable things, which
would reflect upon the child. You go abroad
and finish opera; people will never expect you
and me to settle down in humdrum way, Poor
dear, you could never have settled down with any
woman in the world In any circumstances You
find and follow neW inspiration every few
months!"
He WINGED, but he made no reply.
houn jnfar with
shan't begin to interfere You eternally
restless and discontented, not because you are
tickle, but because you artist. But we
ought tosay that the boy is ours, and that his name
is Rendel Paget. When he grows up, you'll love
him very, much and be proud of him.
Il do love him as he is, Cara"
''Yes-in the distance"
mo, that isn't fair. But, as you say, men don't
understand very young children. / like to please
you in every way, and If you want to make our
marriage matter OF public gossip, will do any
thing you wish"
asked me the other day if you were dead said
you once went to sea in a big ship. Then he began
to cry for tt, fear you were drowned Al night & long ing
drowned He's impressionable and artistic-like
you."
Every word you say cuts into me, # you were
a revengeful woman, should think you were TAX
ing your revenge"
Revenge for what?"
'For all have made you suffer. You don't
deceive me- There tears in your voice always.
moon about my opera, while you work your way
up from pound week to an income OF two thou
sand year. / went moaning about our beastly
lodgings; and you have patiently made, by your own
hard work, home ! see the situation plainly"
His countenance had become hard and worn and
haggard during the discussion. Terror had en-
tered into him at the prospect of telling Vvien that
he married. He would lose her-his inspra-
tion--the inspiration which Cara had never been
and could not be- Yet he had deep fondness for
Cara, and more fondness than he realized for his
son.
well" said Cara 1--WE needn't decide tonight
There's whole month yet before Baby's birthday"
She rose and tried not to the relief on Pagets
face as he heard that he had months respite So
many things could happen in month. He fast
ened Cara's cloak. wound the scarf round her small
graceful head and shining hair, offered her his arm
down the stair and helped her into her brougham
which was waiting in yigo street She went back
to the theatre to attend rehearsal which was to