The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-01-26
FOR SALE.

A""@I NWhNAt haNhSu htk ruVHtiN
There was bitterness IN her smile
there was ranking bitterness In bis
heart. The windows were dropped q
bit at the top. and through them stole
the odor OF warm. wet earth, the In.
tangible sweetness OF a spring night,
the hint Of a thousand growing things,
He moved unensily In his chair Tho
end was at hand, and yet hc shrank
from II as from physical blow.
"Play something. Katherine" he
commanded shortly.
The girls white hands ran lightly
over the keys She played softly bits
OF Grleg. snatches from Dvorak. and
presently a minor composition that
was new to him, He listened apprccl.
ativcly, and when the last note died
away no turned TO the girl
Thanks" said he Il think you
have made II easier for both OF u.s."
She looked up quickly. There was IA
puzzled expression on her face.
what do you mean?" she demanded.
Il mean,' said he. speaking very
slowly and with unpleasant emphasis.
that ! think | can now say those
things that are expected of me with.
out saying a host OF other things that
are on the end OF my tongue. And I
think, perhaps. you can listen more
calmly 10 what say. Katherine. |
congratulate you." he ended abruptly,
She looked at him questlonlngly
"Your mother has told me-" no went
on. Il imagine she took considerable
satisfaction In telling me. sincerely
trust your wealth and your social posi-
tion as Lady Laylor-Wlnters win be
all you anticipate. Perhaps that is the
greatest happiness could wish you"
The open bitterness In his voice
brought the angry color to her cheeks
There was flash of fire In the eyes
she turned to him.
Thanks" she said sardonically. II
scarcely expected this generosity from
you"
Elwood bit his lips.
did you expect generosity r be ask.
ed. "Do you deserve itT
The color faded from the girls
cheeks.
Il need generosity from yon." she
said entreatlngly.
She swung about to the piano and
began playing very softly again. El-
wood rose from his chair and, crossing
the room, stood beside her.
"And this is the end Of IT," he said
musingly.
The music rippled on. The girl said
nothing
This Is the end OF It." he said again
1.-THE end Of that long dream summer
IN the mountains, the end Of those
lays Of cathedral hunting IN England.
he end OF that eternal spring In Ven.
ce. II was only dream, then, and this
s the awakening"
He paused, then after moment
went on again:
do you remember that night on the
Grand canal--the myriad stars In the
ky and the myriad stars In the water?
Have you forgotten those days In IT.
Marks? Did they mean so very little
o you? Do you realize that you must
lever, never think of them again when
'ou are Lady Laylor- Winters?"
"Don'tr' said the girl quickly.
"But can remember them.' he said. |
1T will be no disloyalty for me to re-
Perhaps You are willing 10 !
rade your memories for so many thou. I
and pounds and paltry title, but I
here isn't wealth enough on earth to
,uy mine"
The girls playing came to an abb !
upt ending. She swung about and
aced the man beside her. 4
isn't 1t bad enough to be sold like /
horse or a prize dog without being
aunted about itf" she asked hotly.
why do you permit the salei" he
aid.
1--WE are poor-oh, so poor! When
ather died there was little left" The
ears sprang to her eyes.
Good LordW cried Elwood. "Then
ou're not doing this on your own ac-
ountT'
She looked at him almost pleadingly.
tits Sir Williams money" she said
as If she feared some one
light overhear
Elwood laughed In sheer relief.
isn't my money just as good?" he
sked.
The girls face flushed scarlet.
"Oh, how could your she cried in
rotest. "How could your
How could I what" he said help
sssly.
"Talk that way about money--bar-
aiming -after those days you were
peaking about" she said brokenly.
| was willing to bargain with Sir
but you-you' Her voice
allied her.
He looked at her thoughtfully for a
loment, then he laid his hand gently
n her shoulder
"Do you imagine for an instant
hall let you marry himf he asked.
"You must" she said weakly.
II mustn't" he declared stoutly.
But Sir William" she began doubt
llly..