, 1908-08-06

would not be right for me thus DELHI
erately to sacrifice you whole future
to my pleasure. / possess nothing to
oYer you,-no home, n friends. no
reputation. Practically l am an out
law, existing By my wits, disreputable
in the eyes Of those who are worthy to
live in the world. She, who was your
mother. would never wish you to re-
main with me. She would say l did
right in giving you up into the care
of a good woman. Nadia. look on that
face in the locket, your mothers face.
1t is sweet, pure, beautiful, the face of
a good, true woman. Living or dead,
1t must be the prayer of those lips that
o become a good woman also. She
should lead you, not 1, for I am I'M
worthy. For her sake, and in her
name, | ask you 70 go back to Mrs.
Herndon."
in her eyes. and his hand closed tight
ly about her own. 1t was not n soul
alone that struggled.
You will go?"
20 Bob. l wish you wasn't q gam.
bler,"
A moment he remained silent. But
unfortunately 1 am" he admitted, So
berly, land 1t is best for you to go
back. Won't you?"
Her gaze a fastened upon the
open locket, the fair face pictured
there smiling up at her as though in
pleading also.
you truly think she would wish it,"
81 know she would"
The girl gave utterance to a quick,
startled breath. as If the vision fright
ened her. Then I will co." she said.
her voice a mere whisper. Il will go"
He led her down the steps, out into
the jostling crowd below, as II she had
been some fairy princess. Her locket
hung dangling, and he slipped it back
into its place and drew her slender
form yet closer against his own, as
they stepped forth into the black, de-
serted road. Halfway up the gloomy
ravine they met a man and woman
coming along the narrow path. Hamp-
ton drew her aside out of their way,
then spoke coldly.
MS ii'ih uoh' WOW you ScCAluB
your lost charge? have her here"
The two passing figures halted. peer.
ing through the darkness.
Il was not seeking her." she re-
turned, icily. Il have no desire to cul-
tivate the particular friends of Mr..
Hampton"
so l have understood, and conse-
Quently relinquish here Int now all
claims upon Miss Gillis. She has in
formed me of our fiattering opinion
regarding me. and | lave Endorsed it
as being mainly true to life. Do l
state this fairly. Naida?"
Il ave come back" she faltered,
lingering the chain at her throat. Il
have come back"
Without Bob Hampton"
The girl glanced uneasily toward
him, but he stood motionless in the
gloom.
"Yes-I-I suppose l must"
Hampton rested his hand softly upon
her shoulder, his fingers trembling, al
though his voice remained coldly de-
liberate.
Il trust this is entirely satisfactory.
= iASi huohs hS Sdlus a aoSuiS
you l know absolutely nothing regard
ing her purpose of coming to me to-
night. l realize quite clearly my own
deficiencies, and pledge myself here
after not to interfere with you in any
way. You accept the trust. | believer"
She gave utterance to a deep sigh of
resignation. 1T comes to me clearly
as a Christian duty" she acknowl-
edged, doubtfully. and | suppose l
must take up my cross; but"
But you have doubts" he interrupt
cd. We'll. | have none, for | have
greater faith in the girl, and-perhaps
in God. Goodnight, Mazda"
He bowed above the hand the girl
gave him in the darkness. and aver
after she believed he bsnt lower. and
pressed his lips upon it. The next mo
ment the black night had closed him
out, and she stood there, half fright
ened at she knew not what, on the
threshold of her new life. f5uIo-