Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-04-19

ness-that's really In the balance. It Is
your future Her voice thrilled. "You
are going to be a great man. and
great man is the property of his coun-
try. He has no right to individual ac-
ton"
Again Loder made an effort to. speak,
but again she checked him.
"Walt!" she exclaimed. Wait! You
believe you have acted wrongly, and
you are desperately afraid Of acting
wrongly again. But is 1t really truer,
moro la--nl for us to work out long
pra in grooves that are already
over..!.ad Khan to marry quietly abroad
and fill the places that have need OF us2
That is the question want you to an.
ever Is - ~,T''- 'r',nr md noblerl
oh, see the, doubt that is In your
mind! You think 1t finer to go away
and make new life than to live the
life that is waiting you-because one Is
independent and the other means the
use Of another mans name and another
mans money-that Ia the thought In
your mind. But what is 1t that prompts
that thought?' Again her voice caught,
but her eyes did not falter. II will
tell you. 1t Is not self sacrifice, but
pride" She said the word fearlessly.
A flush crossed Loders face. "A
man requires PRIDE" he said In low
voice
Eyes, at the right time. But Is this
the right time? Is 1t ever right to
throw away the substance Cor the shad-
ow? You say that don't under.stand-
don't realize. realize more tonight
than have realized In all my life.
know that you have an opportunity
that can never come again and that Its
terribly possible to let 1t Slip
She paused. Loder, his hands rest
ing on the closed doors Of the cab. at
very silent, with averted eyes and bent
head.
"Only tonight" she went on, 'eyou
told me that everything was crying to
you to take the easy, pleasant way.
Then 1t was strong to turn aside, but
now it is not strong. 1t is far nOblef to
fill an empty niche than to carve one
for yourself. John"-she suddenly
leaned forward. laying her hands ovet
his-"Mr. Fraide told me tonight that
in his new ministry my-my husband
was to be undersecretary for foreign
affairs"
The words fell softly, 80 softly that
to ears less comprehending than 10.
der's their significance might have
been lost, as his rigid attitude and I'M
responsive manner might have con-
veyed lack Of understanding to any
eyes less observant than Ewes.
For long space there was no word
spoken. At last, with a very gentle
pressure, her fingers frightened over his
hands.
John" she began gently, but tho
word died away. She drew back Into
her seat as the cab stopped before Chill
cote's house.
simultaneously as they descended
the hall door was opened and food
Of warm light poured out reassuringly
into the darkness.
II thought it was your cab. sir"
Crapham exclaimed deferentially as
they passed into the hall. "Mr. Fraide
has been waiting to see you this half
hour. showed him into the study"
He closed the door softly and retired.
Then in the warm light, amid the
gravely dignifed surroundings that had
marked his first entry into this hazard.
Gus second existence, Eve turned to
Loder for the verdict upon which the
future hung.
AS she turned his face was still hid.
den from her, and his attitude be-
trayed nothing.
"John," she said slowly. you know
why he is here. You know that he has
come to personally offer you this place.
to personally receive your refusal-or
consent
She ceased to speak. there was mo-
ment Of suspense then Loder turned.
/ His face was still pale and grave with
/ the gravity OF a man who has but re-
Gently been close to death, but beneath
the gravity was another look, the old
expression of strength and self. reli-
ance, tempered, raised and digniHed ~
new humility.
Moving forward, he held out his
hands.
my consent or refusal" he said very
quietly, .'lies with-my wife"
THE END. ,ss,