The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1909-02-04

APARTMENTS"
her duty in August. but to have Ray
run away from her, why, it was I'M
thinkable,
1T sounds harsh, | know the man
went on steadily, but you asked for
an explanation and" obstinately. II
intend to make it in all its badness.
But as | don't care to shout it into the
face of car full I'll take the liberty
of sitting beside you"
He suited his action to the word, and
Harriets fingers laced themselves to-
gether with spasmoGic strength as he
spoke close TO her ear.
Lets see, Harry. It's just seven
years ago today that | gave my first
bachelor Thanksgiving dinner, and
you were there. Do you remember
She nodded mutely.
Prom that day towel, our last
talk, l have known no independence
of your will. | have served for you
faithfully seven years"
Harriets finger nails pressed into her
palms. ard her breath came Irregular
ly. He went on:
1T was Lay study and work to win
you, and to that. end | ordered nv
life. You were worth it, Harry, had
seven years won you. have no word
of blame for you. I'm not discussing
your side of the situation now. but nv
own"
The girl beside him remembered
with a pang of regret
I'm merely trying to get at this.
Up III the woods last August l deter
mined that my happiness should no
longer be dependent on you
Ray suddenly broke off and looked
at her Her eyes wavered and fell be-
fore his Down in her throat was a
sob she WAS striving to keep there.
For the first time the mans voice
softened
You'll think it harsh. but have set
out to tell you the whole truth about
my new determination. | have thought
you the sweetest woman God ever
made. but in order to achieve nv indie
pendence | am unthinking that''-the
sob forced itself high In Harriet's
throat-"and fully intend''-
Again he broke off and glanced
across the aisle. The bride was look
ing into her husbands eyes with
face trimming over with love and
trust. Ray drew a long breath and
his voice faltered when he spoke again.
Il want home, not endless bache-
Tor apartments. and love returned as
well as given, and when I've achieved
my Independence shall seek them
again" He ended abruptly, with a lit
tie gesture across the aisle
Ray" The sob broke out with the
word. Ray" 1t was sob which
shattered seven years of logic doubts.
questiOnings, and left her woman's
heart pleading for love
Instantly big tanned hand lay on
the cushion between them, its palm
turned up in mute asking. and the next
moment it closed over small one that
dropped into it with quick passionate
movement, very abandonment of Civ
ing.
Sweetheart, was long way from
achieving my independence" whis-
pered Ray, and the pressure of the
fingers within his answered him. Har-
riet's face, flushed, tear stained, happy,
was close against the window
Some way it was the sight opposite
that gave me courage-not a silly sight,
Harry. dear
A vehement shake of the head
against the window proclaimed her
suddenly altered views, and then, de-
spite tears and bushes. she glanced
around at the couple across the aisle.
The man was answering chance ac-
quaintance who had come In from an
other car. and his voice, bluff and mer-
ry, was interesting half the occupants
Of the Pullman.
"Think we're on our wedding tour,
do they? Ha hal" laughed the man
opposite. That's good joke. 10 you
remember-it's exactly ten years ago
today that we started on our wedding
tripy