The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1907-08-10

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peculiar name as though he loved the
sound. Il want you to listen to me,
child. / sincerely wish l might keep
you here with me, but can't. You
are more to me than you dream, but it
would not be right for me thus delib.
erately to sacrifice your whole future
to my pleasure. ! possess nothing to
offer you.-no home, no friends, no
reputation. Practically l am an out
law, existing by my wits, disreputable
In the eyes of those who are worthy to
live in the world. She, who was your
mother, would never wish you to re.
main with me. She would say l did
right in giving you up into the care
of good woman. Nadia, look on that
face in the locket. your mothers face.
It is sweet. pure. beautiful. the face Of
a good, true woman. Living or dead,
1t must be the prayer Of those lips that
you become a good woman also. She
should lead you, not I, for I am I'M
worthy For her sake. and in her
name, ask you to go back to Mrs.
Herndon."
He could perceive the gathering tears
in her eyes, and his hand closed tight.
ly about her own. 1t was not one soul
alone that struggled.
you will go?"
20 Bob, wish you wasn't a gam.
bler!"
A moment he remained silent But
unfortunately I am" he admitted, So
berly. and it is best Tor you to go
back. Won't you?"
Her gaze was fastened upon tho
open locket. the fair face pictured
there smiling up at her as though in
pleading also.
You truly think she would wish it,"
II know she would"
The girl gave utterance to a quick,
startled breath. as II the vision fright
ened her. Then will go" she said,
her voice mere whisper. II will co."
He led her down the steps. out into
the jostling crowd below, as If she had
been some fairy princess. Her locket
hung dangling, and he slipped it back
into its place and drew her slender
form yet closer against his own, as
they stepped forth into the black. de.
serted road. Halfway up the gloomy
ravine they met a man and woman
coming along the narrow path. Hamp.
ton drew her aside out of their way,
then spoke coldly.
Mrs. Herndon, were you seeking
sur lost charge? have her here"
The two passing figures halted, peer
ing through the darkness.
Il was not seeking her." she re-
turned, icily. Il have no desire to cul.
tivate the particular friends of Mr..
Hampton"
so l have understood, and conse.
quently relinquish here and now all
claims upon Miss ellis. She has in
formed me of your hattering opinion
regarding me, and have Endorsed 1t
as being mainly true to life Do
state this fairly, Naida?"
II have come back" she faltered,
lingering the chain at her throat, Il
have come back
Without Bob Hampton?"
The girl glanced uneasily toward
him, but he stood motionless In the
gloom.
"Yes-I-I suppose must"
Hampton rested his hand softly upon
her shoulder, his fingers trembling, al.
though his voice remained coldly de-
liberate.
Il trust this is entirely satisfactory,
Mrs. Herndon." he said. II can assure
you know absolutely nothing regard
Ing her purpose Of coming to me to-
night realize quite clearly my own
deficiencies, and pledge myself here.
after not to interfere with you in any
way. You accept the trust, believer"
She gave utterance to deep sigh of
resignation. 1T comes to me clearly
as Christian duty" she acknowl.
edged, doubtfully, land I suppose l
must take up my cross; but"
But you have doubts" he interrupt.
cd. We'll, have none. for have
greater faith in the girl. and-perhaps
in God Goodnight. Nadia"
He bowed above the hand the girl
gave him in the darkness, and ever
after she believed he bent lower. and
pressed his lips upon it. The next mo-
ment the black night had closed him
out, and she stood there, half fright
eued at she knew not what, on the
threshold of her new life.
CHAPTER
At the Occidental.