The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1909-10-23


"Good-by!" l gasped. Where in
the world are you going?"
We sail for London tomorrow.
Mr. AAkony has been called there by
important business. We are to be
married at aoon. It's very sudden,
isn't it! feel as II had been
caught up by huge whirlwipd
that wouldn't let me down"
"Tomorrow. You sail tomorrow!
l repeated.
She nodded. 1T was only q matter
Of a few weeks at most" she said.
But tomorrow" l echoed namely
She did not reply. Gathering her
skirts out OF the way OF the fountain
spray that drifted across the asphalt,
she kept her eyes resoluteiy ahead
The 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 tie
side-street, turning Presently into
Fifth avenue.
And your note7't asked.
Was only to say goodby and eS-
plain our hurried departure We are
so sorry tn 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. ot course.
but I'm afraid he cant make 1t. And
Bishop Winstauley Is away, " il all
SO unsatisfactory had never
thought TO have anyone marry me nut
him, you know Im afraid II VIII
seem a sort OF makesbiu cereusony, &"
with little sigh
Suppose something should come up
to prevent your sailingy" ! asked. with
an uncontrollable impulse
She turned 10 me quickly an ODD
look in her eyes. but in the same IN
stant it faded and she lifted the shield
OF an impersona' smtfe
That is quite improbable I never
think OF such things Some people do
| know But 'n this cas-. we are al
most quite ready Mr. Ankony Ia rush
ing his preparations through. and
had even this haif.horrs breathing
space. so l walked through the old
Square for the last time Does that
sound ghastly7'' she asked with a
smile But ! dare "a, II Will never
seem quite the same again.
Her tone was light, but it held the
pang of sadness Was 1t only the sad
ness that a woman must naturally feel
at such a time. I asked myself. or
did it hold all the ache and bitterness
that Henrietta Winstanley still stout
her keenly, and. feeling my glance.
she put up q quick. impatient hand to
her cheek.
1T isn't nice to stare at a bride-eleet
like that on the eve of her wedding. :
she said Don't you know that? She
is always cross and pale and nervous
1t isn't fair"
Forgive me; but tomorrow-to-
morrow I can't look at you-nor for
weeks and months perhaps. Oh. I
know I'm hurting you! I'm a beast to
do 1t. But a man can't mask a thing
forever. And it hurts. God. how 1t
hurts to think Of your going."
Does that make 1t any harder-the
gOlng! she asked.
1T is the suddenness Of It," said
DULY. and we walked a little way In
silence. 1t was she who broke it.
II am SO sorry! SO sorry" she
said, in the lowest, softest voice, and
the regret and the tenderness in 1t
touched me profoundly. III l could
say something. do something, to help
to make it easier for you! But
can't. and tit hurts me. too. Oh,
look at me once In friendliness and
forgiveness!"
A lovely April twilight was setting
about US. and in its shadows turned
to her.
Can you do me the injustice to be.
lieve that have anything but friend.
liness for you, dear?" asked Il am
a poor whimpering thing to trouble
you like this now-to let you see"
We had reached the steps of her
house. and as we mounted them she
slipped her hand through my arm
with q little pressure, then quickly
withdrew 1t.
mo. no. you are not that" she pro
tested warmly; you are all that 10
considerate and kind and good,
and T."
III were yielding you to any one
else" blundered.
"Don't!" she cried: you have your
own little shrine in the temple Of my
heart. and I don't want you to de.
throne yourself at the last. This is
is the last. you know. Good-by. I
can't ask you in, and we shall not
i meet again before co."
Yet I think" said I, that l win
not say good-by."
She looked at me questioninsly.
DO you think leaving out a good.
by makes separation seem less
real?" she smiled
This one would set the seal upon
too many things" I replied.