Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1908-12-11

the cab at Claremont and drive back
to the city later. Shirley was too
grateful to him for his promise Of CO
operation to make any further opposi-
ton, and soon they were far away
from beaten highways. down on the
banks OF the historic stream. picking
flowers and laughing merrily like two
truant children bent on Il self made
holiday. The place they had reached
was just outside the northern bound
aries Of Harlem. a sylvan spot still I'M
spoiled by the rude Invasion Of the fat
house builder. The land, thickly wood
ed, sloped down sharply to the wa
ter. and the perfect quiet was broken
only by the washing Of the tiny surf
against the river bank and the shrill
notes OF the birds in the trees.
Although II was late In October, the
day was warm. and Shirley soon tired
OF climbing over bramble entangled
verdure. The rich grass underfOot
looked cool and inviting. and the nat
urai slope Of the ground affording an
ideal resting place she sat there. with
Jefferson stretched out at her feet, both
watching Idly the dancing waters Of
the broad Hudson. spangled with
CLEANS Of light. as they swept swiftly
| by on their Journey to the sea.
shirley" said Jefferson suddenly.
II suppose you saw that ridiculous
story about my alleged engagement TO
Miss Roberts. hope you understood
that 1t was done without my consent"
III did not guess II. JefY." she an
swered. your assurance would be suf-
fcient. Besides" she added. what
right have to objectY'
| but l want you to have the right"
he replied earnestly. I'm going to
stop this Roberts nonsense In n way
my father hnElly anticipates. I'm just
waiting a chance to talk to him. Ill
show him the absurdity Of announcing
me engaged to a girl who II about to
elOpe with his private secretary
"Elope with the secretary" exclaim-
ed Shirley.
Jefferson told all about the letter he
had found on the staircase and the
Hon. Fitzroy Bagley's plans for a rum
away marriage with the senator's
wealthy daughter.
| ITS q goisend to me" he said glee-
fully. Their plan is to get married
next Wednesday. III See my father ON
Tuesday. I'll put the evidence In his
hands. and l don't think" he added
grimly. hell bother me any more
about Miss Roberts"
$50 you're not going away now"
said Shirley. smiling down ut him.
He sat up and leaned over toward
her
Il can't. Shirley. simply can't" he
replied, his voice trembling. You are
more to ME than dreamed a woman
could ever be. l realize 1t more forci
bly, every day. There Is no use fight
ing against 1t. Without you my work.
my life. means nothing"
Shirley shook her head and averted
her eyes.
Don't let US speak Of that. Jeff."
she pleaded gently. Il told you did
not belong to myself while my father
was In peril"
But l must speak Of It," he inter-
rupted SHIRLEY. you do yourself an
injustice as we'll as me. You are not
Indifferent to mel feel that. Then
why raise this barrier between usY'
A soft light stole into the girls eyes.
All, It was good to feel there was some
one to whom she was everything In the
world!
Don't ask me to betray my trust.
Je6." she faltered. You know l am
not Indifferent to you-far from It,
But IT,
i He came closer until his face nearly
touched hers.
Il love you'll want you" he muir
INJURED feverishly. Give me the right
to claim you before oil the world a. my
future wife.'
Every note OF bis rich. manly voice.
vibrating with impetuOus passion.
sounded in Shirley's ear like a soft
! caress. She closed her eyes. A strange
feeling Of languOr was stealing over
her; mysterious thrill passed through
her whole body. The eternal. inevita-
bic sex instinct was disturbing for the
first time a woman whose life had
been singularly free from such infiu-
ences. putting to flight all the calcula-
. lions and resolves her cooler Judgment
had made. The sensuOus charm Of the
!. placc-thc distant splash Of the water.
the singing Of the birds. the fragrance
} Of the trees and grass-all these sym
: bOls Of the Joy Of life cOnspired to
arouse the love hunger Of the woman
Why. after oil. should she not know
happiness like other wOmeni She had
] sacred duty to perform. It was true.
but would II be less well done because
she declined to stihe the natural leah
, ings of her womanhOOd? Both her soul
and her body called out. Let this man
love you: give yourself to him: he Il
! worthy Of your love-"
, Half uncOnsciOusly she listened to
his ardent wOoing. her eyes shut, as he
: spoke quickly. passionately. his breath
warm upon her cheek:
, Shirley. offer you all the devotion
man can give a woman. Say the ono
word that will make me the happiest
J or the most wretched Of men. Yes or
. no! Only think we'll before you wreck