The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1909-11-11
CHAPTER ml.-contlnusd.


Ny mind refused 70 conceive Of the
snormity OF the sacrifice. / walked on
stupidity. having no notion where
was going. but feeling that I must
keep going, The avenue was hLled
with vehicles. u was its most fash.
lonable hour. and several Of my
friends were passing; but ] affected
10 see none Of them. To save me, ]
could not have met their smiles with
summoned ones. and I was nOt minded
10 try. But, looking straight ahead as
{ was. ! yet felt them coming-Bar-
hara and Ankony. and they were upon
me before I could turn into a side
street and avoid them.
Ankony's turnout was the smartest
IN the street, and II was fitting. per
haps. that the most charming girl
In town should sit beside him. She
wore a simple blue gown-perhaps H.
too. was made-over; / reflected hastily
that she would not have to wear that
kind after she married Ankony--and
to the casual observer she must have
looked happy and serene. but to me.
In the instant OF our meeting. there
was something back Of her smiles that
startled me. something that surely
looked forth in terror-the lmpotent
terror that Is vague and stiil and does
not realize It's own appeal Il was as
u. uneonsciously. abe bad put out a
sudden hand "a me.
went u to the curb 10 speak with
them.
You win want to give us your
blessing. Twining. n you have heard
the good news" Ankony said, with
great geniality.
yves. I have Just heard" I said.
held out my hand to Barbara, and
she gave me hers. a little. cold. I'M
steady hand Her eyes tried not to
falter beneath mine, and abe smiled I
wished 70 heaven she had not. for I
carried that smile with me for weeks.
Miss Hemingway knows that I de-
sire nothing so much as her happi.
ness, said l.
She pressed the tips OF my fingers
ns withdrew them
Ankony extended his hand. but
was STOPPING 10 aock something from
my trousers
"welL" said he, in a stimulation Of
vast amiahillty. my taste can't be
denied, you viii have to agree with
me. no matter what may be said Of
hors.
you are right" I said heartily;
''you are q fortunate man
80 / am being told on every hand
But ! didn't need that. 10 know H.
thought you would say 20, Twlning
NO one so heartily.
tits gratifying to end that ones
fsneee is 80 generally beloved, I'm
sure
Barbara turned upon us with I
flush and a smile.
"oh. do stop saying nice things oi
met It's hoFrid Of you. ! don't IKE
a. You make me feel a. Il ! were
walking around my own bier.
Ankony smiled al her whimsicalneEs
but / knew her 10 be on the verge o.
undoing.
Our friends tell us they are sur
prised. that nothing like this was q
have been expected. he observed
looking az me,
I could have throttled him his hlad'
was cutting both ways now and b
knew IT, Barbara went very whit
and shut her lips with an odd nerce
ness.
Perhaps, he went on, IN tia
smooth voice Of his, so has been a oi
Rudden-a little surprising
Many things are surprising, said
and mot his eyes with my indignan
ones His shifted,
we are blocking the street hal
bara cried. "Let us 80 {.
"As you pleuso Ankony answered
Always as you please-dear
Isaw tho color splash over her whit
cheeks at the endesrment This wa
part Of the oost-the outrageous, In
possible cost