The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1907-10-03
CHAPTER ~.
The One Woman.

me one woman.
scanned each face intently as
approached them. There was a high.
delicate color on the checks Of the
elder woman. She was frowning
slightly. | could not be sure whether
curiosity or annoyance was the domi-
nant note OF her bearing. But pres
emily | saw that II was rather resent
ment and thinly yelled contempt
During the past week scorn and con
tempt had flashed from too many eyes
that / should misinterpret that look
They knew. then, the story Of my dis
grace That fact would explain the
expression OF contempt; but why this
strange resentment. this indignation'
The younger woman. the daughter
for the likeness was unmistakahle. sat
motionless as / approached The atti
tude was significant OF feeling more
hostile and deeper than that which
agitated the mother
Il WIS the mother who spoke. not
without evident reluctance;
rs II true that you are Mr. Haddon
Mr. Ernest Haddon?
1T is true" replied quietly.
Then YOU we're with Mr.. Lawrence
willoughby when the tragedy oc.
curred?" she continued In a deep,
even voice.
Yes, madam"
Il am Mrs. Brett This is my dsugh.
ter. Miss Brett"
Again | bowed gravely. The girl
made a slight inclination. but her
eyes still gazed intently at the little
beacon light that still burned on the
mountain
heard the name at first with an
idle curiosity. Then vaguely I re
peated Il to myself had heard II
before. 1t awoke startled memories
va.nly tried to place these people
who we're compelling themselves 20
speak 20 me with so evident a reluct
ance and hesitation.
Il am sure have heard. only late
ly-"
Perhaps" assented Mrs Brett bit
terly. 1T was Mr.. Willoughby him
self"
"Motheri" The daughter touched
the mothers arm appealingly.
YES" said in a low voice. II re-
member now"
Then. SIR" and the question rosa
TO a crescendo OF restrained feeling,
when we we're Informed only a mo
ment ago that you were Mr.. Haddon.
you will understand why we have sent
for your"
yes. madam. understand. You
wish TO hear from my lips--the lips
OF the survivor-of the tragedy"
Willoughby had loved the daughter.
When death had faced us together. he
had spoken of her. At such a time
one opens ones heart, even TO a
stranger. And he had told me of his
hearts desire; he had told ne OF his
despair that she had not returned his
love. At least not openly. But now.
when II was too late, perhaps she
realized that she had loved him after
all II that we're 30, with what alb
horrence must she regard me. And II
were TO tell her everything-that he
had died reproaching me for cow
ardice- Yes, pain and humiliation
were indeed to be the price OF this
meeting.
Yet outwardly maintained a stole
calm. | knew there must be no ex-
cuses for myself. Whether this WON.
an had loved him or not, at least his
memory must be sacred to her. The
man who was dead had paid the last
penalty of presumption and folly. But
that must not be limited at; It was my
weakness and cowardice that must
emphasize.
Helena" Mrs. Brett turned TO her
daughter. would you prefer that Mr..
Haddon speak to you alone?"
Yes, mother, I should prefer that"
81 shaE wait for you. helena. N the
writing room. Good evening. Mr.
Haddon."
ro I'm coNrIxJ EDl