Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-11-26

MAUD; I was beside myself, between
my debts and my entanglements With
women not At to touch your shoes.
I've seen It all since. That II the chief
reason why chose to disappear from
society when l had the chance, and
become some one else! swear to
you, on my mothers soul IN heaven.
that thought OF nothing but that
to set you free and begin life over
Iagain as another man. No thought OF
marrying has ever crossed my mind!
Do you think could be as bad as
that? But I'm not defending myself
how could I? All the right is on
your side, and all the wrong on mine.
And now-I would give heaven and
earth to undo 1t all and to come back
to you'll"
Lady Maud drew as far as she could
into the corner where the farmhouse
Joined the engine skylight. She had
not expected this; It was too much re-
pentance: it was too like a real at
tempt to win her again. He had not
seen her for more than three months;
she knew she was very beautiful; his
deeting passion had come to life
again. as he had. But her old repul-
sion for him was ten times stronger
than when they had parted. and she
shrank back as far as she could, with
out speaking. From far below the
noiseless engines sent quick vibra-
ton up to the ironwork Of the sky
light. She felt 1t, but could hardly
tell It from the beatings Of her own
heart. He saw her shrinking from
him and was wise.
Don't be afraid Of met" he cried, in
a low and pleading tone. Not that!
oh, please not thatl will not come
nearer; will not put out my hand to
touch yours, swear it to you! But
love you as never loved you be-
fore; never knew how beautiful you
were till I had lost you, and now that
have found you again you are q
thousand times more beautiful than in
my dreamsl No, ask nothing! I
have no right to ask for what have
thrown away! You do not even pity me,
I think! Why should you? You were
free when you thought me dead, and
I have come back to be burden and
q weight on your life. Forgive me,
forgive me, my lost darling, for the
sake Of all that might have been. but
don't fear me! Pity me, II you can.
but don't be afraid Of me! Say that
you pity me a little. and shall be sat
isfled, and grateful, tool"
Lady Maud was silent for few Sec
onds, while he stood turned towards
her. his hands clasped in dramatic
gesture, as. II still imploring her COM
miseration.
Il do pity you." sne said at last,
quite steadily. for Just then she did
not fear that he would try to touch
even her hand. II pity you. II you are
really in love with me again. 1 pity
you still more If this Is a passing
thing that has taken hold of you
merely because you still think me
handsome. But will never take
you back to be my husband again.
Never. That is finished, for good and
ALL
"Ah, Maud, listen to me"
the corner and was walking slowly
away from him, not towards the 9th.
ers, but aft, so that he might join he,
quietly before going back to them. He
was man Of the world and under.
stood her, and did what was expected
of him. Almost as soon as he was be-
side her. she turned to go forward
with her leisurely, careless grace.
We've been standing long time,
she said, as If the conversation had
been about the weather. IT want to
sit down"
II am in earnest" he said, very
low.
$50 am l." answered Lady Maud.
They went on towards the wheel
house side by side, without haste, and
not very near together, like two or
binary acquaintance.
ITO be continued.)