The Dolores star., 1909-09-10

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caprice Of the friend. Her servant
thought It probable. however. that she
would not be back in town for several
weeks, perhaps a month.
] turned from her door in the deep
est regret. but my tumbiing thoughts
had already begun to steady them
selves into something resembling
calm. and I saw things q little more
clearly: One thing perceived with
startling clearness. and that was that
Barbara had given herself for Dams
liberty and good name.
What 1t meant to her drove away.
for the moment, all thought Of what It
meant to me. but later my own rebel
lion arose and rioted-to NO end. Il
was indeed the hopelessness of 1t all
that smote me from the beginning. I
felt like a paralyzed man in . frs.
But he listens for the sound of his
rescuers. and for ME there could be
no help There had been but one way
to save Dana way SO hideous II had
not even suggested itself to me, but
Barbara. loving him as she did and
determined to save him. had thought
of 1t at once and had not hesitated to
take 1t. monstrous as 1t was in its
cruelty.
That Dan could accept so high Q
price of her astonished me, but I
knew that she dominated him in the
AFFAIRS OF their everyday life, and
could understand that, sick az he was
with despair and remorse. he would
yield to her fierce persuasion. with
out at first realizing just what she
was Offering for his honor.
My mind refused to conceive Of the
enormity Of the sacrifice. walked on
stupidity. having no notion where
was going. but feeling that I must
keep going. The avenue was filled
with vehicles. 1t was its most fash
ionable hour. and several of my
friends were passing; but I affected
to see none Of them. To save me,
could not have met their smiles with
summoned ones. and was not minded
to try. But. looking straight ahead a.
I was. I yet felt them coming-Bar-
bara and Ankony and they were upon
me before ] could turn into q side
street and avoid them.
Ankony's turnout was the smartest
In the street, and 1t was fitting, per
haps, that the most charming girl
in town should sit beside him. She
wore simple blue gown-perhaps II,
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 impotent
terror that Is vague and still and does
not realize its own appeal. It was as
II, unconsciously, she had put out
sudden hand to me.
went out to the curb to speak with
them.
You will want to give US your
blessing. Twining. II you have heard
the good news" Ankony said, With
great geniality.
Yes. ! have Just heard" said.
held out my hand to Barbara, and
she gave me hers, little, cold. un-
steady hand. Her eyes tried not to
falter beneath mine, and she smiled
wished to heaven she had not for
carried that smile with me for weeks.
Miss Hemingway knows that I de-
sire nothing 80 much as her happi.
ness" said I.
She pressed the tips of my fingers
as withdrew them.
Ankony extended his hand, but
was STOPPING to heck something from
my trousers.
We'll" said he, in a stimulation of
vast amiabflity, my taste can't be
denied. you will have to agree with
me. no matter what may be said of
hers"
You are right" said heartily;
you are fortunate man.
so | am being told on every hand
But didn't need that, to know It. /
thought you would say so. Twining d"
mo one 30 heartily"
It's gratifying to find that ones
fiancee is 80 generally beloved, I'm
sure"
Barbara turned upon US with a
flush and a smile.
oh. do stop saying nice things of
me! It's horrid of you. l don't like
1t. You make me feel as II l were
walking around my own bier"
Ankony smiled at her whimsicalness,
but / knew her to be on the verge of
undoing.
Our friends tell us they are sur
prised; that nothing like this was to
have been expected" he observed,
looking at me-
l could have throttled him: his blade
was cutting both ways now. and he
knew 1t. Barbara went very white
and shut her lips with an odd fierce
ness.
Perhaps" he went on, in that
smooth voice of his. 'it has been a bit
sudden-a little surprising"
Many things are surprising" said,
and met his eyes with my indignant
a.