Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1908-05-02


my foot. that is all | shall not lug
these things about after today"
did the doctor say you might?"
"Yes, after today | could walk
home now without them. l could do a
good many things l couldn't do a few
minutes ago Isn't that curiousY'
Very" she said, avoiding his eyes.
He laughed She dared not look at
him. The excitement and impetus Of
sheer impulse had carried her this far.
Now all the sadness of it was clutch
ing hard at her throat, and for awhile
she could not speak-walking there in
her dainty summer gown beside him,
the very incarnation of youth and
health, with the sea tan on wrist and
throat, and he. white, hollow eyed,
crippled, limping, at her elbow.
Yet at that very moment his whole
frame seemed to glow and his heart
clamor with the courage in it, for he
was thinking of Plank's words, and he
knew Plank had spoken the truth. She
could not give herself to Quarter if he
stood firm. His was the stronger will,
after ALL. his was the right to inter-
fere, to stop her, to check her, to take
her, draw her back-as he had once
drawn her from the fascination of de-
struction when she had swayed out too
far over the cliffs at Shotover.
II came in with Leila. We're asked
to LenoX for the weeks end. We go
to Stockbridge on the early train to-
morrow morning" she said.
I'm not going to let you go yet"
said Siward,
eff took to my heels here in the
park, would you chase me, Stephen"
she asked, with mock anxiety.
Eyes. and if l couldn't run fast
enough I'd call that policeman. Now,
do you begin to understand"
"Oh, I've always understood that
you were spoiled I'm partly guilty of
the spelling process too Listen. I'll
walk with you a little way'-she
looked at nina little way" she con-
tinued gently; then | must 60 There
is only caretaker in our house, and
Leila will be furious if / leave her all
alone. Besides. we're going to dine
there, and it won't be very gay if
don't give a few orders first"
But you brought your maid"
Naturally"
Then telephone her that you and
Leila are dining out"
Where. silly? Do you want us to
dine somewhere with your
want you! You've got to-"
stephen. it isn't best"
ut is best
She turned to him impulsively. "Oh.
do want to SO much! Do you think
might! 1t is perfectly delicious to
see you again. I-you have no idea"-
YES, / have" he said sternly.
They turned. walking past the foun-
tain toward Fifth avenue again. Fur
lively she glanced at his hands, with
the city palOr on them, as they grasp
ed the crossbars of the crutches, then
looked up at his worn face He was
much thinner, but now in the softly
fading light the shadows under the
eyes and cheek bones seemed less
sharp, his face fuller and more boyish;
the contour OF head and shoulders, the
short. crisp hair were as she remem
bered, and the Old charm held her.
the old fascination grew. tightening
her throat, stealing through every vein,
stirring her pulses, awakening imper-
ceptibly once more the best in her.
There is no use," she said under her
breath. 81 can't go back to Leila.
Stephen. the dreadful part of it is that
IL wish she were In Jericho. l wish
the whole world were in Ballyhoo and
you and ] alone once more!'
Under their gay laughter Quivered
the undertone Of excitement Sylvia
said.
I'D like to talk to you all alone. 1t
won't do, OF course. But / may say
what I'd like, mayn't L? What time
Is it? If I'm dining with you we've
got to have Leila for conventions sake
if not from motives of sheer decency,
which you and / seem to lack, Ste
phen."
I'VE lack decency," said Siward,
land we're proud Of it. AS for Leila,
I'm going to arrange for her very SIM
rly. but verv beautifully. Plank will