Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-01-15
, fairs of Sylvia's family.

ol HIS SWlll anu SOIneWndt eQulVO- cal courtship he had had nothing to say in his letters. In fact, recently he had nothing to say about Sylvia at all, reserving that vital confidence for the clear sympathy and understanding which he looked forward to when he should see her and which, through dark days and bitter aftermaths, through struggle and defeat by his master vice, had never failed him yet never faltered for an instant.
 So he brought his letter to a close with q tender and uneasy inquiry concerning her health, which, she had intimated. was not exactly satisfacto- ry, and for that reason she had open ed the house in town in order to be near pr. Grisby, their family doctor.
 Sealing and directing the letter. he looked up to see Sylvia standing at his elbow. She dropped a light hand on his shoulder for a second, barely touching him-a fugitive caress, deli cate as the smile lowering on her lips, as the shy tenderness in her eyes.
 "More letters to your sweetheart?" she asked, abandoning her hand to him.
 "One more, the last before I see her. l wish you could see her, Sylvia
 T wish so, too," she answered sim ply, seating herself on the arm of his chair as though it were a sidesaddle.
 Would she care for me, do you think:" asked the girl in a low voice.
 T think so for your real self"
 T know. She could only feel con- tempt for me as I am."
 She is old fashioned" he said rev. erently.
 That means all that is best in a wo- man-the old fashion of truth and faith, the old fashion of honor and faith in honor, the old. old fashion of love. All that is best, Stephen; all that is worth the love of a man. Some day somebody will revive those fashions"
 Twill you?"
 Dear, they would not become me-" she said, the tenderness in her eyes deepening a little, and she touched his head lightly in humorous caress.
 What shall we do with the waning daylight? she asked. Ut is my last day with you. told Howard it was my last day with you and did not care to be disturbed"
 You probably didn't say it that way" he commented, amused.
 "I did"
 How much of that sort of thing is he prepared to stand?" asked Siward curiously.
 How much? I don't know. cr,n't believe he cares. It is my uncle, Ma jor Belwether, who is making things unpleasant for me. had to tell How ard, you know"
 "What! exclaimed Siward incredu- iously.
 Certainly. Do you think my con- duct has passed without protest"
 You told Quarrierr' he repeated.
 Did you imagine I could do other wise?' she asked coolly. "I have that much decency left. Certainly l told him. Do you suppose that after what we did. what admitted to you, that could meet him as usual? Do you think I am afraid of him?'
 "I thought you were afraid of losing him." muttered Siward.
 ''I was dreadfully. And the morning after you and I had been imprudent enough to sit up until nearly daylight and do what we did made him take a long walk with me, and told him plain ly that cared for you, that I was too selfish and cowardly to marry you, and that if he couldn't endure the news he was at liberty 10 terminate the engage nent without notice"
 What did he say" stammered si- ward.
 'I was informed that be held me strictly and precisely to my promise; that he would never release me volun- tarily. though was. of course. at lib- erty to do what l chose. My poor friend, he cares no more for love than do l. happen to be the one woman in New York whom he considers absO- lutely suitable for him-by race, by breeding. by virtue of appearance and presence eminently fitted to complete the material portion of his fortune and estate"
 Her voice had hardened as she spoke. Now it rang a little at the end. and she laughed unpleasantly.
 Tt appears that was a little truer 10 myself than you gave me credit for "a little truer to you. little less treacherOus. less shameless. than you must have thought me. But I have gone to my limit of decency. and were I ten times more in love with you than I am I could not put away the posi- ton and power offered me. but I will not lie for it nor betray for it.
 She dropped one arm on tbe back os his chair and rested her chin on il. staring at space across his shoulders.
 That's how it had to be. you sec, when I found that l cared for yOu- There was nothing to do but to tel him He trusts me enough to marry nc. He will te safe enough as far as my personal conduct fs concerned" she added naiveIy. Tt seems that I am capable of love. but I am incapable Of its degradation
 SivarI. leaning heavily forward over his desk. rested his head in both hands. and she stOoPed from her perch n the arm Of the chair. pressing her h0t