Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-06-17
CHAPTER XXI.

reply.
lam very sorry" she said. in a
low voice.
Sorry" he repeated quickly. DO
not say that"
.'Yes-I am very sorry she re-
peated. "I-I-did not know"
did not know that l loved you!'
he retorted, almost sharply. Were
you blind? Every word, every look
of mine would have told you, if you
had cared to know-"
Her face flushed. and she raised Por
eyes to his With fash of indigna tion.
Il did not know" she breathed.
Forgive mel" he pleaded hoars ely.
TT am very unfortunate. offend
AID anger you! told you that |
should not be able to say what l had
10 say with credit to my self Pray
forgive me meant that though
tried to hide my love, It must have be-
trayed itself How could it be other
wise? Stella, have you no other
word for me-"
None" she said, looking away. Il
am very sorry I did not know. But
it could not have been. Never"
He stood regarding her, his breath
coming in long gasps.
You mean you never can lore me?
ne asked.
Stella raisod her eyes
yves, she said
His hand closed over the knife until
the back of the blade pressed deeply
into the quivering palm.
Never ls-a long day. he said.
hoarsely. DO not say never l will
be patient; see. | am patient, [ am
calm now, and viii not offe:id you
again, / will be patient and wait; 1
will wait Tor years, II you will but
give me hope-if you will but try to
love me a little!"
Stella's face paled, and her lips qui.
vered.
Il cannot, she said, in a low voice
"You--you do not understand. One
cannot teach oneself to loye-cannot
try. 1t Is impossible Besides-you
do not know what you ask. You do
not understand"
do | not?' he said, and a bitter
sheer curled the thin lips Il do un.
derptand. | know have a suspicion
OF the reason why you answer me Hike
this"
Stelas face burnt for moment.
then went pale, but her eyes met his
steadily.
There is something behind your re-
.dsal. no girl would speak as you do
unless there was something behind
There is someone else. Am l not
right?"
Your love gives me the right to ask.
But | need not put the question, and
there is no necessity for you 20
answer If YOU have been blind,
have not have seen and noted. and
/ tell you, tell you plainly. that what
you hope for cannot be. / say cannot
shall not be-" he added, between
his closed teeth.
Stelas eyes flashed as she stood
before him glorious In her loyeliness,
Have you tinished? she asked.
He WIS silent. regarding her watch
fully.
II "a have finished, Mr.. Adelstons,
I will leave you"
stay" he said. and he stood ia the
path SO that she could not pass MIN.
stay one moment. | Will not ask you
TO reconsider your reply l Will only
ask you to forgive me-" His voice
grew hoarse aud his eyes dropped
Yes, | will beg you TO forgive me.
Think of what l am suffering. and
you will not refuse me that Forgive
me, Stella--Miss Etheridge. l have
been wrong. mad, aud brutal; but it
has sprung from the depth of my
love; l am not altogether to blame.
and hope that we remain friends?"
Stella paused
He watched her eagerly.
Tiff" he said quickly, before she
could speak--'u you wall let this pass
AS II it had not been--lt you will for
get all / have said will promise not
TO onend again. Do not let US part
do not send me away never 10 see
you again. | am an old friend 81
your uucles, should not ike TO lose
his friendship: | think | may Say that
he would miss mine. Lat US be
friends. Miss Ether,dge.'
Stella inclined her head.
Thank you. thank you he said,
meekly. tremulously 4 shall be very
grateful Tor your friendship. Miss