The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1908-04-04

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con, how can leave your"
Stella looked steadily at him. yet
did not speak. Gideon was silenced
by some strange thing that appeared
in her eyes. She grew more and more
remote. He saw her slipping from
him. Though her hands were in his,
her soul was saying farewell
"Stella!" he cried imperiously, you
know you love me; you can't deny it.
Yes, Gideon, love you. would
do anything in my power for you;
Think think would risk my life for
you, as you've more than once risked
yours for me. Yet-yet-" She
paused. looked up and smiled at him.
Drawing one hand free she brushed a
bit of lint from his sleeve, taking I'M
necessary time for it. She was feel
ing her way to safety, striving for
mastery without scene. yet, Gid
con, l know there must be another
kind of love. the kind you have for
me. You are older than am, dear. I
recognize no change in my feeling for
you. I guess I'm still child, and
you'll have to wait for me to grow up"
He looked at her sharply, incredu-
lousy; did not give back her smile.
"You looked grown up enough when
you walked by with that white-faced
Vincent Tuesday. l hate
Hush, Gideon! You shall not speak
so! He's done you no harm. Do you
think you can make me love you by
abusing other men,"
He turned away, but she saw his
dark face cloud to blackness, his
hands open and close, his fingers set
deep into his palms. A vertical vein
in his forehead grew dark and full,
sign she dreaded.
At last his angry eyes fixed hers,
and he spoke sullenly. "1f it wasn't
for him you'd care for me. He has
stolen"
Stella interrupted him desperately.
Gideon, listen! She caught his arm,
and he felt her tremble, though her
look was fearless. II know l shall
never love you as you should be-as I
must love the man marry. You must
not expect-not hope for 1t. 1 know
what such love should be-know 1
would rather live alone all my life
and see the man l loved pass once
year on the street than marry any
other!"
yes, that's right! But you'd want
to kill the woman who kept him from
you!"
NO, no. no! For she would be the
one he loved! Should wish to make
him unhappy"
He started as if struck. He dropped
his head dejectcdly. Pity awoke as
danger seemed averted. 60 back to
town, Gideon, please. I'm 20 sorry!
I'm-you know l wouldn't willingly
hurt you, don't you? Please go!"
She stopped and lowered her lids
that he might not see the trembling
tears. But he did not speak; and
presently she looked at him again, her
gaze drawn by his silence. tense
motionlessness held him, and she saw
flame rise and CLEAN in his eyes.
yes, Stella. will go. But shall
come again. another man-though I'll
have the same heart. Whatever 1t is
that gives a man charm for a woman
that I'll find. And you shall grow up
very suddenly when next you see me.
You shall love me-do you hear, Stel.
la? Don't think shall fail-you shall
love mel"
With no goodbye he shot out of the
copse.
1t was Stella's first defeat. Be.
wildered, apprehensive, lonely hour
she battled before she felt able to face
again the Argus-eyed little town.
AS she rose to go piece of folded
paper caught her attention. She picked
1t up and opened it to find meaning
less tumble of words written in a hand
she knew was not Gideon's. It must
be something belonging to Phineas.
Should she return it to him? No. Ev-
identity it was of no Importance. She
would tear it up. Yet some secondary
impulse impelled her to put ut in her
pocket; and when she was again at
the hotel, to lay it away among her
papers.