Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1907-06-08


Are you quite through with her;,
ics?' asked the man. He carefulT
folded his napkin and, leaning win
both elbows on the table, sat stariHg
in the face OF the woman opposite, a
cynical smile on his lips.
The woman bit her lip neryously
and endeavored to repress the tears
that showed in her gray eyes.
Allowing for the feminine tenden-
cy towar1Ashe hysterical," he began,
IL believe you have stated our position
quite clearly, and l might add, Louise,
that it is better we should come TO an
understanding here and now. Do you
follow me?" His voice was cold and
even.
Yes" exclaimed the girl, tesitat-
ingly, tremor in her voice.
Now, let us look at our situation
squarely," he went on. rs there any
wish you express that remaias ungrat-
ified?"
NO" she murmured, family, Eek
cepting one. You promised to marry
me, and"
Everyone takes you to be mar
ried woman" he broke in. why com.
plain?"
Il am only asking what you prom
ised should be. It's my right. Think
of my position before the world she
answered.
He sighed deeply and turned his
head away, annoyed. In his agitation
he accidentally knocked over the al
most empty bottle of wine at his el-
bow, and it ran in little rivulets over
the snowy white cloth, leaving behind
a pool that showed blood red on the
white, at which he gazed fascinated.
You will marry me, Billy, won't
your" she pleaded, laying her hand on
his arm to arouse him.
"Oh, enough of this!" rudely throw.
ing her aside. You knew i was a
married man since first we met"
Yes, but later you said you had Sc
cured a divorce and would marry me
as soon as possible and"
II was little premature, confess.
] expected a divorce, but the courts
decided otherwise. So, you see, can
not marry you, even if l wanted to-"
he said, boxing up.
The girls breath came and went in
short, hoarse gasps, and she stood
with white, staring face, seeming I'm
able to comprehend what he said.
80 you lied to me. You were ly-
ing all the timer" There was no
shrieking, no anger in her voice, just
contempt, keen and cutting. His
face colored perceptibly, but he strove
to remain calm and appear Indifferent.
Il can't mary you, that's certain,
and, besides, l suppose you have made
up your mind not to live with me now,
but I'll provide for you and the"
The look on her face frightened him,
causing him to stop.
You'll provide for me! You'll-why,
I'd rather beg in the streets than
touch penny of yours"
He kied to speak, but she would not
listen. There is no need Of you say
ing anything more. / wouldn't believe
anything you would say It's plain
that all the love you professed for me
was nothing but passion. You took
advantage Of my love and youth, and
now"
He turned to the window and stood
looking into the street below.
The sobbing had ceased for some
time When he turned around he
found her sitting in an armchair, gaz-
ing into the open fire. The agony Of
mind she had undergone was ex-
pressed in the deepened lines about
the mouth, and he shrank at the look
Of pain in her face.
"Annette!" she called, suddenly, in
a hoarse, strange voice.
"Oui, madame"
Fetch my writing materials and
get ready to deliyer a note"
The ticking of the little Swiss clock
could be distinctly heard above the
scratching of the pen and the sobs
that now and then escaped her. He
turned from the window to the side
board and gulped down a pony of
brandy. Crossing to where she sat he
stood in front of her and demanded
in an angry tone: "To whom are you
wrlting?" g
MY brother" she replied, without
raising her head.
again and continued until long after
the servant had returned from her
errand, and was fast becoming unbear-
able
Look here, Louise he said, at
last.srd like to know what you intend
to ddff'-
Dbl" she repeated. ooh, yes,
what / intend to do I'm going to-
well, you will find out soon enough
what l am going to do. You need not
worry about me-"
I'm glad you looked at this matter
in sensible light" he remarked, rub
bling his hands with satisfaction. The
parting seemed to be coming easier
than he had hoped for.