Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1909-10-29

Il don't think you had better" she
said Il am hurried and cross and alb
sent.mindeds
I've seen you all three and stili
found you fairly"
oh. don't muster out any silly com.
| pliments. she broke in quickly. II
know that In my present mood I
couldn't inspire a genuine one: so
don't try to palm of any spurious
ones on me- I'm not in the humor to
be easily deceived. But you may
come along II you're sure you don't
mind. Perhaps it's just as well:
there isl have Just posted you a
note 10 say good-by."
"Good-by,~ ! gasped Where in
the world are you goingy'
We. sail for London tomorrow.
Mr.. Ankony has been called there by
important business. We are to be
married at noon It's very sudden.
isn't it7 feel as IL / had been
caught up by huge whirlwind
that wouldn't let me down.
Tomorrow. You sail tomorrow"
| repeated.
She nodded. ut was only a matter
OF few weeks at most" she said
"Isut tomorrow echoed namely.
she did not reply. Gathering her
s'glrfs out OF the way of the fountain
spray that drifted across the asphalt.
she kept her eyes resoiutely ahead
Tie roar of broadway was in our ears.
Through Fifteenth street the late sun
shine poured, and mist came up
from the bay. River whistles blew.
and here and there an electric light
sprang out. Walking hurriedly and In
silence we crossed Broadway and
came into the kindling shadows OF the
side-street. turning presently into
Fifth avenue.
And your note?'I asked
WAS only to say good-by and ex
plain our hurried departure. We are
so sorry to not have you all with us
at tie marriage, as we had expected
Even Dan may not get to town in
time. ! wired him at once, OF course,
but Pm afraid he can't make II. And
Bishop Winstanley is away! 1t is all
so unsatisfactory! | had never
thought to have anyone marry me but
him, you know I'm afraid II will
seem sort of makeshift ceremony"
with little sigh.
Suppose something should come up
to prevent your sailing?" asked. with
an uncomfortable impulse
She turned ito me quickly, an odd
look In her eyes, but In the same in
slant 1t faded and she lifted the shield
Of an impersonal smile.
That is quite improbable never
think Of such things. Some people do,
! know But in this case we are al
most quite ready Mr. Ankony is rush
ing his preparations through. and
had even this half-hour's breathing
space, so / walked through the old
Square for the last time. Does that
sound ghastly?' she asked, with a
smile. 'But I dare say 1t win never
seem quite the same again"
Her tone was light, but 1t held the
pang of sadness. Was 1t only the sad
ness that woman must naturally feel
at such time, I asked myself. or
did 1t hold all the ache and bitterness
that Henrietta Winstanley still stout
ly contended that it did? l looked at
her keenly, and, feeling my glance,
she put up quick, impatient hand to
her cheek
1t isn't nice to stare at bride-elect
like that on the eve OF her wedding"
she said Don't You know that? She
Is always cross and pale and nervous
II isn't fair"
Forgive me; but o-morrow--to-
morrow ] can't look at you--nor for
weeks and months perhaps. oh, /
know I'm hurting you. I'm beast to
do 1t. But man can't mask thing
forever. And II hurts. God! how it
hurts to think Of your going,"
Does that make 1t any harder--the
going?" she asked
1t Is the suddenness OF IT," l said
duly. and we walked a little way In
silence. II was she who broke it.
i am so sorry, so sorry" she
said. in the lowest. softest voice, and
the regret and the tenderness in 1t
touched me profoundly III | could