The state herald. (Holyoke, Logan County, Colo.) 1887-1921, 1909-12-24
I%3LT IL I)INAS RIJBY8N

L
less, the more think OF it."
Well, I'm sorry, but | suppose it's
natural. since you've concluded to
marry him, and 1t can't be helped. /
wasn't going to say anything against
him. and l wouldn't say anything for
MIN, so there was nothing to do but
to explain, which l did. I'm sorry
you think / did wrong. but should
give the same answer again."
Mrs. Rushmore thinks that Konstan-
tin is a designing foreigner because
he's a Greek man of business, and
that you are perfection because you
are an American business man."
IF I'm perfection, that's not the
real reason" said Van Torp, snatch.
Ing at his first chance to steer ont of
the serious current; but Margaret did
not laugh.
You are not perfection, nor eth
err she answered gravely. You are
famous in your way, and peoplo call
me celebrated in mine; but so far as
the rest is concerned we are Just two
ordinary human beings, and If we are
going to be friends we must under.
stand each other from the first, as far
as We can"
I'll try to do my SHARE" said Van
Torp, taking her tone.
very well. I'll do mine. I began
| by thinking you were amusing, when
first met you. Then you frightened
me last winter, and | hated you Not
only that, | loathed you-there's no
word strong enough for what felt.
When | saw you in the audience, you
almost paralyzed my voice"
Il didn't know it had been as bad
as that" said Mr.. Van Torp quietly.
Yes. 1t was worse than l can
make you understand. And last spring.
when you were in so much trouble, /
believed every word that was said
against you, even that you had muir.
dered your partners daughter in cold
blood to get rid of her. though that
looked as incredible to sensible PEG.
pie as II really was. 1t was only when
! saw how Lady Maud believed in you
that ! began to waver, and then |
understood"
I'm glad you did"
$50 am /. But she is such good
woman herself that nobody can be
really bad in whom she believes. And
now I'm changed still more. / like
you. and I'm sure that we shall be
friends. II you will make me one
promise and keep it."
What is it,"
That you will give up all idea of
ever marrying me. no matter what
happens, even II broke"
yts no use to 30 on" interrupted
Van Torp. "for can't promise any.
thing like that. Maybe you don't
realize what you're asking. but it's
the impossible. That's ALL"
"oh. nonsense." Margaret tried to
laugh lightly. but 1t was n failure.
NO, it's very far from nonsense
he replied. almost sternly. Since
you've spoken first. I'm going to tell
you several things. One is. that ! &C.
cepted the syndicate's offer for the
Nickel Trust so as to be free TO take
any chance that might turn up. II
had been open some time. but nc.
cepted It on the day ! heard OF your
engagement. That's n big thing. An.
other is. that played regular trick
on Logotheti so as to come and see
you here. deliberately asked him
to dine with me last night In London.
| went right home. wrote note to
him. antedated for yesterday after
noon. TO put him on, and left II to
be sent Mt the right hour. Then drove
TO the station. and here I am. You
may call that pretty sharp practice,
but ] believe all's fair In love and war.
and ! want you to understand that |
think so. There's one thing more. !
won't give up the hope OF making you
marry me while you're alive and am.
10, II you're an old woman. and I'll
put up all have In the game. inciud.
Ing my own life and other peoples,
II II comes to that. Amen"
Margaret bent her head n little and
was silent.
Now you know why I won't prom.
iso what you asked" said Van Torp
In conclusion.
You have no right to speak like
that" she said rather weakly. after a
moment.
Perhaps not I don't know. But
] consider that you have right TO
know the truth, and that's enough for
me. It's not ms II I'd made up my
mind to steal your owe-lamb from you