The daily democrat. [volume] (Anadarko, Oklahoma) 190?-1908, 1907-06-22


ics?" 9sked the man. He carefully
folded his napkin and, leaning with
both elbows on the table, sat staring
in the face Of the woman opposite.
cynical smile on his lips.
The woman bit her lip ncryously
and endcavored 90 repress the tears
that showed in her gray eyes.
Allowing for the feminine tonden.
cy toward the hystcrical,' he began,
81 believe you have stated oar position
quite clearly, and / might add. Louise.
that it is better we should come to an
understanding here and now. DO you
follow mc2' His voice was cold and
even
Yes exclaimed the girl, hositat.
ingly, a tromor in her voice.
Now. let us look at our situation
sQuarcly," he went on. is there any
wish you express that remains ungrat-
ihcd?'
mo" she murmured, family. eek
coptiug one. You promised to marry
me. and"
Everyone takes you 10 be a mar
riod woman he broke in. why COM
plain?"
- am only asking what you prom
iscd should be- It's my right. Think
Of my position before the world she
answered.
uo sighed deeply and turned his
head away annoyed In his agitation
he accidentally knocked over the al.
most empty bottle of wine at his cl-
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 win marry me, Billy. won't
you?' she pleaded. laying her hand on
his arm to arouse him.
"Oh, enough of this!' rudely throw.
ing her aside. You knew | 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"
Il was a little premature, I confess.
l expected divorce, but the courts
decided otherwise. SO, you see, I can
not marry you, even If | wanted TO-"
he said, looking 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.
so you lied to me. You were ly-
ing all the time?" 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 cant mary you. that's certain,
and, besides, 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,
caFsing him to stop.
You'll provide for me! You'll-why.
I'd rather beg in the streets than
touch penny of yours"
He tried to speak, but she would not
listen. There is no need Of you say
ing anything more. I 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"
lie 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 shrhnk at the look
of pain in her face.
-Annettel" she called, suddenly, in
hoarse. strange voice.
"Oui, madame"
Fetch my writing materials and
get ready 20 deliver a note
The ticking of the little Swiss clock
could be distinctly heard above the
scratching of the pen and the sohs
that now and then escaped her, He
turned from the window 90 the side
board and gulped down a pony OF
brandy. Crossing to where she sat he
stood I'm front OF her and demanded
IN an angry tone: ITO whom are you
wrlting?"
MY brother" she replied without
raising her head
The silence fell between them
again and continued until long after
the servant had returned from her
ercand, and was fast becoming unbear.
able
Look here, Louise" he said, at
last, "Id like to know what you intend
20 do?"
Dol" she repeated "Oh, yes.
what intend to do! I'm going to-
well, you will find out soon enough
what | am going to do. You need not
worry about me-"
I'm glad you looked at this matter
in a sensible light" he remarked. rub.
bing his hands with satisfaction The
parting seemed to be coming easier
than he mad hoped for.
You see,' he continued, when loud
angry voices in the hall interrupted
him. Evidently some one was trying
TO forcibly enter in spite OF his serv.
ants protests. He raised his eyes TO
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