Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1909-02-25
CHAPTER xxxIlI-continued
s1LAs K. HOOKING.

4
The time did not seem at all long
4 to him. Indeed, he was not conscious
of time or place. He heard the siren
at length, saw the great ship begin to
move, ran up the long stage still wav-
ing his handkerchief, strained his eyes
till only speck remained, and then
with vision blurred and heart beating
wildly he turned away, hardly know
ing whether most to sorrow or re-
joice.
To Esther Mawgan that glimpse of
| Grayton was like breath Of life. 1t
reemed to justify and reward the
brave fight she had fought. He had
not forgotten her any more than she
had forgotten him. She knew by in
stinct that he also was keeping his
| love pure and his ideals unstained.
They might never be any more to
each other than they were now; but
| TO love cacn other was reward in
ltsels, and far greater and nobler re-
ward than anything that money could
purcllts sc. So she watched the smoky
city fade away in the distance, while
q song was sung in her heart. She
saw the hills OF Wales arise and shine
in the golden light, and there seemed
10 be music everywhere.
she had hailed the thought of 60
ing away with delight. 1t was the
thought CT coming home again that
troubled her. Now the coming home
would be full of new gladness.
Grayton would find out. They had
taken return tickets. The names of
the passengers could be had at the Of
fee. fe would set to know by what
hcat they returned and he would be
there o meet them. She felt as GER
tain as tho1sh he had told her, and
Wien they net again all misunder-
Standings would be cleared away.
Size was standing alone wrapped in
tsoaGht WREN Marion came up and
laid ler band on her arm
You lcok wonderfully happy, Es-
tfe",' 81 g said, with smile.
DO :, Maiion?' and the warm blood
dyed her cheeks suddenly
4 rcTcr sew you look SO pleased
with Yourself before"
no; not nleased with myself, and
vet i am pleased, and Im-yes, I'm
very happy"
G.a.icn looEed at her inquiringly,
but did rot reply.
Did you ever feel, after a long ard
trying struggle-a struggle in which
yoa stood alone, as it were--a sudden
sense of victory?" and Esther smiled
gain end her eyes shone in the gold
en- iieht.
What sort Of a struggle do you
mean, Geir?" Marion questioned.
A 't'uggse for ideals-for the sane
lily OF your own womanhood?"
Marion shook her head and looked
puz2ied.
f You heard that Mr.. Jackson want
ed to marry me- Esther went on.
From a worldly point of view it
would have been what is called a good
match. You are surprised, perhaps,
that declined the offer?"
Il knew you had good reasons, of
course"
But you have never guessed, per-
haps, what those reasons were?"
II don't think 1 have tried"
Il did not love him, Marion. liked
him as mana friend I admitted
his ability, but"
Then you believe in what is called
love, Esther?" Marion questioned.
with smile, and with a distinct red
dening of her cheeks.
Don't you believe in it. Marion 2"
i am not quite sure" she answered,
blushing still more deeply. ''You see.
I am going yet and she laughed a
little timidly.
i think one may believe in it with
out experiencing it, Esther said.
lamely. "One is bound to have ideals.
you know. cannot got over the feel.
Ing that marriage without love is not
marriage at ALL"
Not If it IL properly legalized in a
church?"
No amount Of legality can make
q true marriage. The lay may sane
ton anything. If a woman gives her.
SELF IN marriage to a man she does
not love she is no better than"
Than what 2"
4 4 prefer not to say. But now yo;a
know why would not and could not
marry Mr.. jackson. 1t. has been 4
hard fight for me. Nearly all my
women friends have been against me. ),
Your mother told me she was varv
angry with you"
Mother has out1ived romance. Won
see, and forgotten her own youth.
There have been times when / have
doubted myself, but after today / shall
never doubt again.
Why after today?"
4 have seen Mr.. Grayton.''
.a.Ahi,,
Ny little secret Is safe with YOU.
! know. He told me he loved me be.
fore he went away, but he was afraid
to wait for an answer
But you did not speak to each
other today :, az
We looked into each others avas
and know he has kept his ideal d /
have kept mine.'' '7 $50