The Jasper news., 1908-12-03

1t is what L expected, she Said
Pardon me, Miss Ball. I do not know
what the letter contains, but I know the
history upon which it is based. The case
seems nearly hopeless, but j must do what
l can. l would spare you, but I would
save my friend"
"Tell me frankly what you know"
II know that he has long been engaged
to you"
eyes, and what else?"
"That he has--has-"
'eHas engaged himself to another
woman"
eyes"
al knew that he did not love me-" she
said, still dreamily looking out of the win
dow, "but did not think this of him.
ut is an infatuation, blindness" said
Tyler, with all the sage wisdom, of his
twenty-five years, ito which men have
beer, subject from the beginning of the
'Why do you speak so? What do you
know of the young lady?"
81 know nothing, save that she is a
salesgil in department store"
And does that prove to you that she is
.'God forbidw said Tyler, flushing
hotly. my own mother. now among the
SAINTS of heaven, was once thus employed.
I said that was all knew. believe her
worthy. used the word infatuation,
partly because | could not understand
pardon me, | speak sincereiy-this is no
time for mere ompliment-because
could not understand, after seeing you,
why he should care for another. Partly,
believe, because | wished to use soothing
words, knowing how you were hurt
IL am not hurt" she said, in her soft.
quiet way. II am I, she is she. Charles
Brewster loved her for some qualities l
do not possess. All women cannot be
alike. He is entitled to his preference.
But HE should have told me long ago."
THAT is true. But it was his desire not
to hurt you which held him back"
"Welf, there is no reason why he should
not marry the girl he loves. You can tell
him so. l have never loved him any
more than he loved me. But liked him
and believed him an honorable man.
had, perhaps. natural human desire to
marry. But | see now that l was wrong
to engage myself without love, and | am
glad it is all over"
The man was by this time SO fascinated
by the noble and beautiful woman that he
could not resist the desire still to preserve
the engagement between her and Brewster.
"But, Miss Ball." he said, Suppose that
prove that Miss Laughiin is not really
in love with Mr.. Brewster, as he sup
posss?"
"That would have no interest for me-"
would you not marry him if he should
return penitent and ask your love?"
"Nevcr!"
He was silent for he felt that her word
was irrevocable.
"Now tell me-" she said, chow he was
prevented from suicide after writing this
letter"
Tyler sat in embarrassed silence.
TN this letter." she said, "he says that
he, is going down to the river in company
with bank thief"
Tyler flushed so painfully that Miss Ball
instantly OWNED part of the story.
"And you. exchanged condolences she
Said, sarcasticaily. Par mobile fratrum"
Tyer's flush departed, leaving his face
deadly pale.
81 beg of you. Miss Ball. he said. ito
hear my story to the end. am not
thief, though contemplated and still
contemplate suicide
Something in his manner checked her
rising scorn. She felt that she was indeed
in the presence of tragedy.
Then in few words he told her Of his
misfortune at the bank, of his rash deter
animation, Of Brewsterss action in saving him.
(corkinaed on Page ss.)