The Elbert County tribune., 1909-11-11

she said. She turned her face from
ne. leaning heavily on the table, the
soft firelight over her. Gould you
ever be sure of me? I have deceived
you SO long,.
You must deceive neither yourself
nor me now l said, seriously. Il
want the truth, whatever that is. Be
honest. Don't try to be kind to me.
You have had to make pretense so
long. Think only OF yourself now"
| waited for her reply, but 1t was
long in coming, SO long that my heart
sank.
.If am to be honest" she began,
Il must tell you that-that-"
Yes? Don't be afraid, dear"
THAT 1t would be foolish-foolish
for me toto try toto care for you.
for +"
Don't try to go on" I cried Il see.
| have been fool to expect it."
A little sound of pain escaped her.
pulled myself together with an
effort.
You mustn't worry" / said, duly.
"I can't blame you. heaven knows. 1
wouldn't have you come to me unless
you love me, you know that And 1
would rather go on-alone-than have
you give yourself to me through pity"
"Oh. yes. yes!" she cried.
stared into the fire. l had
thonght / was prepared!
Presently she began to speak again;
Won't you let me finish, please? T.
I want you to understand 1t would
be foolish for me toto try to care
for you. because-because-"
"Oh, don't try to ease it for mel"
broke in Il must learn to bear it.
Forgive me for being SO long getting
myself in hand. You're not to blame
any reason to hope, but l did. / told
myself that / didn't, but / did-even
when I thought Ankony was going to
carry you off the next day, / still
hoped. 1t seemed to me that heaven
meant you should belong to me. and
that ! must have you. But there,
there! don't look at me like that,
and don't
81 am going to finish,' she said.
resolutely. Let me go on"
II wish you wouldn't" I urged.
She sat down, bending to the fire. I
could not see her eyes. but l knew
they were misty. and the softness Of
her voice was indescribable.
Il couldn't try to care for you be-
l have been-have
been fighting for months-to-to quit
caring. Oh, why-why will you be so
dense?"
Barbara" l cried. bending over
her.
She put up futile little hand be-
tween us, but l laughed in the rap
ture of the moment and caught her in
my arms.
Wait" she pleaded.
my waiting is overt" 1 breathed.
"Oh, look at me, dear one. and let me
have the testimony of your eyes. I'm
afraid of your lips"
FOOLISH" whispered she, lifting
her eyes to mine. And then: But
oh, you, are-Tom. Tom! you are
crushing my beautiful new gown, and
tit did cost such a pile" with lit
tie breathless laugh.
There will be plenty of other
gowns" 1 exclaimed. but never an
other moment quite like this"
The fire did its best to be up to the
situation; it crackled in a sudden
noisy glee and threw enchanting shad-
ows over Barbara's head as | looked
down on it. Dams rheumatic old
spaniel. who haunted the library,
awoke from his nap in the corner at
the moment and. coming to stretch
himself on the hearth-rug, observed
something unusual going on. and. look
ing up inquiringly, brushed against
Barbara's skirts to attract her atten-
ton.
The maids light steps passed down
the hall and | heard the outer door
open and mans voice in the vesti-
bule.
Its Averill," said. 81 shan't SO
much mind having to give you up to
him now
But he did not seem to enter into
the moment with her.
ooh. it has been so hard" she whis-
pered little half sob breaking the
sweetness of her voice There were
times when l thought should never.
never be able to stand it, and | felt
her shiver in my arms.
Il know. my brave one," l whis-
pered back; Il know"
She lifted her head a moment later
and looked at me, and my heart bowed
beneath the shining of her eyes and
the tremulous beauty of her dear face.
But it doesn't matter now. Moth
ing matters now" she said, thrillingly.