The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1908-12-14
that you can't ave II up-one even.

that you can't give It up-one even.
ingp
"One has time to become attached to
anything attractive IN eight months"
he said, especially If 1t represents
ones boyhood friends and companion-
ship. The boys at the club have been
very good to me, and | have come to
depend on them. ! would choose them
In preference to scenery any time, |
think" he commented, with strained
smile.
All color and brightness had fed
from her face and as she stood In the
freight, her white evening gown
cllnging about her, she looked almost
pathetic.
would like to know-the worst,
Frank. Is it--any other woman?"
mo-" he said; 81 have never loved
but one woman. and when found II
was all mistake suffered a great
deal, more than you will ever know
But II is all over now. She didn't love
me, and 7 have learned to do without
her"
A pause. 1--WE are on an equal foot
ing now, Bess." And he stroked the
gray hair on his temples without look
ing at her. 1T is not as much happi-
ness as-as the other way, but there is
not so much pain"
Bess had lost all power of speech
and was staring at him with eyes al
most set I'm their horror. But he mis-
| took the cause.
Don't bother your head, Bess. about
what the world viii say. 1t need new
er know. You bear my name, you are
the mistress of my home. and you will
be free to enjoy your pleasures Just as
you see At. You are welcome to all |
| have"
Except your love"
"You had that, too. once. How long
ago has it been, Bess? 1t seems years.
Good night" he said us she made no
answer. The old servants are here,
and you VIII be perfectly safe"
Still she said nothing, and he went
out, closing the vestibule door quietly
after him. Bess recovered sufficiently
to reach the window in time to see
him move down the lighted street to-
ward the club. OH U. .u..
Y"Oh, my Godg' she moaned "What
have | done? Have been dreaming
all these months?"
She was awake now, with ten thou
sand accusing demons contendlng for
the mastery of her soul.
| Two months later Mrs. Raine was
ushered unceremoniously into Mrs.
Ryals' boudoir and found grave
faced young woman bending over the
smoldering fire.
oh, my dean am so fortunate to
find you at homer was her CHEEKY
greeting. 81 am In the greatest hurry,
but do so want you to join my party
to the Yellowstone park tomorrow.
ltll be such glorious trip. | tele-
phoned Mr. Ryals, and the dear, sweet
man said he left It entirely with you.
Really, my dear, you are to be con-
gratulated-why, Bess'-
Her hostess had risen and now stood
facing her, a grayish fpallor spreading
over her face. Hh ~
Don't speak to me of travelling! |
hate the word-the thought Of boats
and cars and hotels! want to be left
alOne-alonew
Frank Ryals was mounting the steps
OF his club when an ,imperous feml
nine voice stayed his steps. II was
Mrs. Raine, and her ordinary gush,
Ing manner had entirely disappeared.
MY dear boy, you don't want to
stay at the club this afternoon. You
really ought to run right up to the
house. There's certainly something
wrong with Bess. She's been treating
me to n genuine case of Mysteries
Imagine Bess In Mysteries! And she
won't go to California with us. Oh
she's altogether unreasonable! left
her I'm tears. You must have the doe.
tor"
"Yes, III phone for him at once.
Mr.. Ryals' voice and manner were
calm, perfunctory. He raised his hat
and mounted two more steps. Then
he paused irresolutely. Mrs. RainC
was halfway up the block. A man ad
dressed him lightly and entered the
door, and still Ryals stood undecided
a strange light playing In his moody
eyes.
"sbe won't go to California. left
her In tears"
Tears for what? For him, after all!
Suddenly he turned ON his heel and
plunged down the steps. A hansom
was drawn up at the curb. The driver
knew him well and touched his hat In,
terrogatiyelya
"Home! exclaimed Ryals, and then
as the hanson rumbled over the as,
phalt he murmured In softer tones
"Homew
The Story Of a Song.
The story of Ninety and Nine" the
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