Rocky Ford enterprise., 1909-10-22

Tue WoTlu dEc you going!
I'VE sail for London tomorrow.
Mr.. AAkony has been called there by
important business. We are to be
| married at noon. It's very sudden.
isn't it? feel as If I had been
caught up by a huge whirlwind
that wouldn't let me down"
Tomorrow! You sail tomorrow"
l repeated.
She nodded. 1T was only a 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 resolutely 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 kindlins shadows OF TIE
side,strcet. turning presently into
Fifth avenue.
And your note?"l asked.
Was only to say sood.by and ex-
plain our hurried departure. We are
SO sorry tn not have you all with us
at the marriage. as we had expected.
Even Dan may not Get 10 town in
time. I wired him at once. OF course.
but I'm afraid he can't make II And
Bishop Winstanley is away. It IL all
SO unsatisfactory, had never
thought to have anyone marry m- but
him. you know in, afraid II VIII
with little sigh
Suppose something should rnm. up
to prevent your saiIing?" ) asked. with
an uncomfortable impulse
She turned to me quickly. an odd
look in her eyes. but in the same in
stant 1t faded and she lifted the shield
Of an impeTsonai smile
THAT Is quite Improbable I never
think OF such things Some people do.
know But N this case We are al.
most quite ready MIR. Ankony Is rush.
Ing his preparations through. and I
had even this half-horrs breathing
space. So l walked through III. old
Square Tor the last time. Does that
sound ghastly?" she asked. with
smile. But I dare snv II will never
seem quite the same again.
Her tone was light. but It held the
pang OF sadness. Was It only the sad
ness that n woman must naturally feel
at such a time. I asked myself. or
did 1t hold all the ache and bitterness
that Henrietta Winstaniey still stout.
ly contended that II did, ! irnked at
her keenly. and. feeling my glance.
she put up quick. impatient hand to
her cheek.
1T Isn't nice to stare ut n bride-elect
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 to-morrow-to-
morrow I can't look at you-nor for
weeks and months perhaps. Oh.
know I'm hurting you! I'm beast to
do It But a man can't mask a thing
forever. And 1t hurts. God! how It
hurts to think OF your going!"
Does that make 1t any harder-the
going?" she asked.
1T is the suddenness Of it." I said
DULY. and We walked a little way In
silence. 1t was she who broke II.
Il am so sorry! so sorry!" she
said, In the lowest. softest voice, and
the regret and the tenderness In It
touched me profoundly. IF I could
say something. do something. to help
to make 1t easier for you, But I
can't, and it-it hurts me. too. oh.
look at me once in friendliness and
forgiveness"
A lovely April twilight was setting
about us. and In its shadows I turned
to her.
Can you do me the injustice to be-
lieve that / have anything but friend.
liness for you. dear?" l asked. Il an
n 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 a little pressure, then quickly
withdrew it.
mo. no. you are not that" she pro-
tested warmly; you are all that is
considerate and kind and good.
and l."
IF were yielding you to any one
else" blundered
"Dont!" she cried: you have your
own little shrine in the temple Of my
heart. and l don't want you to de-
throne yourself at the last This is
Is the last you know. Good.by. r.
can't ask you in. and We shall not
/ meet again before GO"
Yet I think" said I. that I will
not say good-by."
She looked at me questioningly.
DO you think leaving out a good.
by makes a separation seem less
real?" she smiled.
This one would set the seal upon
too many things" replied.
tTO BE CONTINuED)