Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-05

true woman. Living or dead. It must be the
prayer of those lips that you become q
good woman also. She should lead you,
not I. for / am unworthy. For her sake,
and in her name, l ask you to go back to
Mrs. Herndon."
He could perceive the gathering tears in
her eyes, and his hand closed tightly about
her own. 1t was not one soul alone that
struggled.
You will go?'
ooh, Bob, wish you wasn't a gamblerr'
A moment he remained silent But UNI
fortunately am" he admitted. soberly,
land it is best for you to go back. Won't
your
Her gaze was fastened upon the 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, star
tied breath, as IL the vision frightened her.
Then I will CO." she said. her voice a
mere whisper, II will co.
He led her down the steps, out into the
jostlng crowd below, as If she had been
spoke to him, but seemingly he heard moth
ing. pressing his way through the mass Of
moving figures in utter Inconsistencies of
their presence. Her locket hung dangling,
and he slipped 1t back into its place and
drew her slender form yet closer against
his own, as they stepped forth into the
black, deserted road Once, in the last
faint ray of light which cleaned from the
windows of the Miners Retreat she
glanced up shyly into his face. 1t was
white and hard set and she did not ven
ture to break the silence. Halfway up the
gloomy ravine they met man and woman
coming along the narrow path. Hampton
drew her aside out of their way, then spoke
coldly.
Mrs. Herndon, were you seeking your
lost charge? 1 have her here
The two passing figures halted, peering
through the darkness. af.
'who are your" 1t was the gruf voice
of the man. ~
Hampton stepped out directly in his path.
'Herndon,' he said, calmly, you and
have clashed once before, and the less you
have to say tonight the better. / am in no
mood for triflng. and this happens to be
your wife's affair.""
Madam" and he lifted his hat. holding
1t in his hand, Il am bringing back the
runaway, and she has now pledged herself
to remain with you"
IT was not seeking her." she returned,
Jelly. "I have no desire to cultivate the
particular friends of Mr.. hampton"
so I have understood, and consequently
relinquish here and now all claims upon
Miss ellis. She has informed me of your
fiattering opinion regarding me. and have
Endorsed 1t as being mainly true to life.
Miss Gillis has been sufficiently shocked at
thus discovering my real character, and
now returns in penitence to be reared ac-
cording to the admontions of the Presby-
terrain faith Do 1 state this fairly. Naida?"
Il have come back" she faltered, finger
ing the chain at her throat II have come
back"
|. without Bob Hampton?
The girl glanced uneasily toward him. but
he stood motionless in the gloom.
"Yes-I-I suppose l must"
Hampton rested his hand softly upon her
shoulder, his fingers trembling. although
his voice remained codly deliberate.
II trust this is entirely satisfactory. Mrs.
Herndon." he said II can assure you I
know absolutely nothing regarding her pur-
pose of coming to me tonight. l realize
quite clearly my own deficiencies, and
pledge myself hereafter not to interfere
with you in any way. You accept the
trust. believer?
She gave utterance to a deep sigh Of res
ignation. 1T comes to me clearly as
Christian duty" she acknowledged. doubt
fully, land l suppose must take up my
cross; but
But you have doubts" he interrupted.
well. have none, for have greater faith
in the girl, and-perhaps in God. Good
night, Nadia"
He bowed above the hand the girl gate
him in the darkness, and ever after she be-
lieved he bent lower, and pressed his tips
upon 1t. The next moment the black night
had closed him out. and she stood there,
half frightened al she knew not what. on
the threshold of her new Life.
Go be Continued Tomorrow