Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1909-09-10
soothe her.

call it. Wonder what she'd say if she
knew l was going there now, this par
ticular afternoon It's a FOOLS Senti
mental notion of mine, but as long as
| was here it seemed to me I'd like to
look at the place.
The storm died away as rapidly as
it had risen. Presently the drivers
grizzled head appeared at the win
dow.
Take you to your address, boss?
The rains stoppin'''
"Yes--well, the lady's first" re-
turned Elliott AS the carriage start
ed, Nancy raised her head inquiringly
please have him take you to your
destination first she said, hurriedly.
Il am in no haste-it is only an IN
necessary errand."
Certainly said Elliott, bowling.
Nancy took his word as obeying her
wishes. She murmured Thank you,"
and sank back in her seat again, turn
ing her eyes away from him.
You are very tired" he ventured
after long pause The carriage was
numbering slowly northward, past Du-
pont circle.
No response
Elliott looked out of the window
patiently for awhile. At last he bent
forward and spoke again. There was
a curious vibration in his deep tones
Il am going to beg your kindness"
he began, slowly, ito let me speak,
to ask you just one favor, and
that is, your forgiveness for the many
unpleasant hours l have given you,
through what mother justly called my
insane jealousy of my brothers chill
dren. You were as devoted as a
mother could be to them, and should
have been proud of it, rather than so
childishly hurt, and SO passionately
set on holding all your affection for
myself. | was an old fool-worse
than fool-and I most humbly beg
your pardon for it, and for dragging
you disappointment and annoyance"
II never said that" said Nancy,
family. Her face shone white against
the dingy cushions, her lips were set
in stern little line.
'1n which you were very consid-
crate. It's year to-day, you know
I'd give ten years of my life to blot
out these last II months for you. But
now / can do nothing-nothing but
beg you to regard me as your friend,
ready to serve you whenever you may
call upon me. Will you not promise
me to let me know if at any time
Nancy sprang forward to the win
dow and pulled at it frantically. The
cab was drawing up before No. 1920
Oxford place.
'Why did he bring US here?" she
gasped, painting and trembling. Il
said he was to take us to your ad-
| dress first"
But this is mine,'' cried Elliott,
| amazed Il said he was to take us
wherever you wanted to go-Nancy,
you don't mean that you were going
there-to-day?
But Nancy's hands were over her
face, and she had shrunk back into
the corner OF the seat again.
Elliott thrust his hands into his
pockets and dragged out bill and a
bunch Of keys. He pushed the money
| into the claimants hand as that worthy
appeared at the door, Here's your
| fare" he cried, in a voice that he
| hardly recognized. and we're much
| obliged for the-Shelter."
He lifted Nancy from the cab, and
| half-carried her up the steps of No
| 1920 Oxford place. Wont you come
! in with me?" he said, under his
| breath, as he unlocked the door, land
see if the house is in good condition
for-renting to bridal coupler" He
| drew her inside the big, bare hall, and
| as the heavy door swung to he caught
her in his arms for a long minute
When he put her down her eyes were
wet, too. And there's room up
stairs-the den, Nancy-would you
like to see if Unsatisfactory?
She was trying bravely through he1
| tears to carry out the play.
"Oh, Julian, there's nothing in this
| house." she whispered, nothing but
bare walls-and marriage on friend
ship"
Eyes, there is" he retorted, rudely
Don't you dare contradict me
madam! You and Love. Can l want
more?''
Nancy dropped her head against
his big shoulder. eff you're going
to intimidate me, Julian she whis
pered, why, of course, have-noth
| ing to say"