Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-08-15

restraining the natural resentment she felt at
his patent neglect. " 1t isn't exactly the place
I'd choose to remain in alone all the time.
g Poor little girl I've been thinking of that"
he told her, reaching across the table to take
her hands. It's worried me- Beth, worried me
greatly, your unprotected position and all
that"
ooh, YOU needn't worry" She withdrew her
hands. Someway, it seemed sacrilege for him
to touch them. 1t was not to be borne-she
hardly knew why. or since when. - want to
know about Glen, she added. "Never mind
me-
:" But do mind he assured her His hand
trembling. Beth, II can't talk much
mean romantic talk and all that-but-well
I've about concluded we ought to be married at
once tor your sake, your protection, and M
peace of mind. have thought about it ever
since left you here alone"
The brightness expressive of the gaetv of her
nature departed from her eyes. She looked
hxedly at the mans dark face, with its gray.
deep set, penetrative eyes, its gunmetal jaw and
knitted brows. 1t frightened her, someway, as
it never had before. He had magnetized her
always. sometimes more than now; but his in
fuence crept upon her subtly even here.
But II think I'd rather not-iust vet"
she faltered, crmsoning and dropping her gaze
to the table. you promised not too urge
me again; at least till I've spoken to Glen"
But | could not have known-foreseen
these conditions he told her, leaning farther
toward her across the table Why shouldn't
~
gagement is certainly long enough. Your posi-
ton here is-well, almost dubious. You must
see that 1t isn't right OF me decent. not to
make you ~ wife Immediately | wish to do
So | wish it very much!
She rose, as If to wrench herself free from the
spell he was casting upon her. m all right
I'm quite all right" She said I'D rathe- not
just now There's no one here who cares
penny who what | am. If my position here
is misunderstood, it can't do any harm. I'd
n f. rfb hon
it Just at present.
Her agitation did not escape him If he
thought of the horseman who had carried her
off and sent himself to the convicts his plan for
vengeance only deepened.
You must have some reason for refusing"
He too rose.
Mono particular reason" she answered,
artlessly walking round the table apparently
to pick up button from the floor, but actually
to avoid his contact. :" lust don't wish toto
be married ow-here-that's all. | ask YOU
to keep your promise not to ask it while
remain
He had feared to lose her a score of times be-
fore He feared it now more potently than
ever. And there was much in that he must ask
The risk of giving her fright not to be in
Cured
Very we'll he said resignedly; but it's
very hard to wait
Wont YOU sit DOWN." she asked him. an
impulse of gratitude upon her. Now do be
good and sensible, and tell me all about Glen
She returned to the table and resumed her seat
ROSTWICk sat opposite and drew his forged
- letter from his pocket. He had placed it in
Glenvilles envelop after tearing the young
mans letter into scraps
9 This letter said he, was sent from away
down in the desert, from Starlight, another
camp. 1t looks to me as if the boy has struck
something very important. I'll read YOU what
he says-or you read it for yourself"
mo, no. read it. I'd rather listen
He read it haltingly, as one who puzzles over
unfamiliar writing Its effect sank in the
deeper for the method. Beth was open eyed
with wonder, admiration, and delight over all
that Glen had done and about to accom-
plish. She rose to the bait with sisterlv eager
ness.
why he must have the chance, He's got
to have the chance!' she cried out excitedly.
What do you think of it YOURSELF"
Bostwick famed the blaze with conserva-
tism. Its quite of money, and Glen
might overestmate the value of the mine. I've
inquired around and learned that the property
is considered tremendously promising. If we
if he actually secures that claim it will pile up
a for | don't like to lose my sense of iudg-
ment: but | do want to help the bov along.
Frankly, however, | don't see how | can let him
have much | couldn't possibly send him
more than thirty thousand dollars at the most"
Beth's eyes were blazing with excitement.
She had never dreamed that Searle could be SO
generous, so splendid An impulse of gratitude
and admiration surged throughout her being.