Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1908-07-16

in unhappy contrition, "he has acted
%honorably and as he thought I would
have wanted him to and for my happi-
ness. And 1, like the wretched little
fool 1 was, couldn't understand and
publicly Inundated him. Oh. if only
it weren't too late to-
A vision Of Gibbs flashed before her
mind, and she s%huddered, realizing all
that her rash steps had entailed.
ct is too late" she confessed to her.
self, fighting back the hot tears that
scared her eyes. But at least l can
tell him I know and beg his forgive
ness and thank him"
The sound of voices in the corridor
reused her from her bitter r~everie.
She sprang up hastily. unwilling that
any should see her tear stained face,
but the speakers, though they drew
near, did not enter Horrigan's Office.
Instead, they stepped into the adjoin-
ing committee room. The messenger
had left ajar the door between the two
rooms. Realizing this and not wishing
to be seen, Dallas shrank back toward
the wall, fearful Of detection. Then
the voice of one of the speakers sud.
denly arrested her notice.
WELL Bennett was saying in no es-
pecially civil tones, you said you wish
ed to speak to me in private. What
have you to say? Be brief. for I am
busy"
Finding herself the unwilling witness
to what promised to be a confidential
talk. Dallas stole toward the door lead
ing to the corridor. but Horrigan, as
was his custom, had locked it on going
out. She dared not enter alone the
crowded anteroom in her present state,
so hesitatingly she paused, forced to
remain where she was. The sound Of
another voice chained her to the spot,
and, unconscious of ea~vesdropping, she
stood spellbound. hearing every word
distinctly through the half open door
way.
I'll hardly know how to begin"
Gibbs was replying to Benefits curt
demand. at is q delicate subject
and
"Then the sooner it is treated to open
air the better. Isl
you've won the Borough bill fight"
began Gibbs.
"Is that all you have to say to meY'
mo. You've won, but you've lost far
more. You've lost Dallas Wainwright
81 hardly need to be reminded of
that" retorted Bennett, land it is a
subject I don't care to discuss"
"But listen" pleaded Gibbs as the
mayor made a move as though to leave
the room. zone minute! 1 say you've
won the Borough fight. I've won Dali
las. Can't WEI
"Well, what?" asked Bennett, with
parture.
Cant we-strike some sort Of bar.
gain?" said Gibbs tentatively.
Explain. please" ordered Bennett,
with that same deceptive calm.
why" went on Gibbs, emboldene6
at the others seeming complacence
suppose you give up this Borough
fight and l give up Dallas? Won hel
by q trick. She doesn't really love me
1t is her pride, not her heart, that made
her throw you over and accept me. l
is you she loves, and I've known it al
along. and you are in love with her"
"Nhat them"
Just this" returned Gibbs. wonder
ing at Benefits quiet reception of tn
strange offer. She will marry me be
cause she isn't the sort of girl to g
back on her promise, especially sine
she looks on me as a sort of high mind
ed martyr to your oppression. SO If
hold her to her word she will not bacl
down. Now. if you, even now. with
draw your opposition the Borough bill