Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1907-04-25

BY CLARA AUGUSTA
CHATTER xYL-fCoNrrNuEp.l

4
She stopped suddenly, and. rising
was about to leave the room. He TOOK
her hand, and closed the door she had
opened, leading her to seat.
my dear Miss Lee, do not compre-
bend you. Explain. If | have ever
injured you in any way, it has oeefll
the very thing farthest removed from
my intentions. viii you not give me
chance to defend myself?"
She blushed painfully; her embar-
rassment disturbed him, for he was
generous to all. and he really felt very
kindly toward her.
Il cannot explain" she said In sub
dued voice II am sorry you came just
now. But these ISLANDERS anger me, as
we'll as wound my feelings.
What ISLANDERS. Miss Lee?'
Her color grew deeper. Animated by
some sudden resolve, she lifted her head
proudly
Il will tell you Remember that YOU
sought the information. Your coming
here has been made the subject OF re-
mark, and have been accused OF nav
ing schemed to draw you here. You
know if it be true"
His face flushed slowly. He recalled
the silly stories that had some time pc
fore reached his ears. And because Oh
them she had suffered This woman
whose unremitting care had saved MS
life! How thoughtless and cruel ne had
beenl He was a man OF honor; IL any
woman's reputation had been injured
through his means there was but one
course for him to pursue. He must
made reparation. And how? For
moment his head whirled, but glanc-
ing at the pale, distressed face before
him, he made his decision.
"Alexandrine," he said quietly, you
know just what my course has oeen.
You know my lowly origin-you know
how life has cheated me of happiness
You know how dear Margie Harrison
was to me. and how lost her. L loved
her with my whole soul-she Will De
the one love of my lifetime. L snal
never love another woman as L loved
can give my wife, will be pleasant
to you, then | ask you to accept then!'
as some slight recOmpense FOR what
have made you suffer. If you can pc
satisfied with the sincere respect anu
friendship l feel for you, then o1ef
myself to you. You deserve my -neart'
but I have none to give to any one.
I have buried it so deep that 1t VIII
never know a resurrection.
She shuddered and grew pale 10
one of her passionate nature-loVlng
him as she did-it was but sorry
wooiug. His love she could never have.
But il she married him, she should be
always near him: sometimes he would
hold her hands in his, and call hef,
as he did now, Alexandrine. her ap-
parent struggle with herself palned
him. Perhaps he guessed something
of its cause. He put his arm arouno
her waist.
MY child" he said, kindly, do you
love me? Do you indeed care 1or
me? Cold and Indifferent as L have
been? Tell me truly, Alexandr1ne!
She did tell him truly; something
within urged her to let him see her
heart as it was. For moment she
put aside all her pride.
81 do love you," she said, GOD only
knows how dearlyw
He looked at her with gentle, pity
ing ewes. but he did not touch the red
lips so near his own. He could not be
hypocrite.
81 will be good to you. Alexandrlne.
God helping me, you shall never have
cause for complaint. l will make your
life as happy as | can. l Will give
YOU all that my lifes shipwreck spared
me. Will that content you? Will you
be my wife?'
Still she did not reply.
Are you afraid to risk it?' he asked,
almost sadly.
mo am not afraid! l will risk
everythingw she answered.