Evening star., 1909-01-24
CHAPTER XIV.


GORMLY had faced many difficult situations in
~ his life even his successful business had
confronted him with crises of moment but he had
never contemplated anything that imposed so
hard task on his Judgment and his feelings
the approaching interview. What means young
Hadane would take to induce his sister to come
with him, how much of what had transpred he
would tell her Gormly had no means of knowing, of
course but he felt confident that by hook or crook
the young woman would be produced and that a
few minutes longer and he would be face to face
with her
He did not in the least know how to begin or what
to say, and the more he thought of it the more diff
cult became the situation. He felt like man who
has found pearl of great price which he could pos
sbly claim for himself. only to be confronted with
an imperious demand from power he could not
control that he must throw it aside; nay, more,
that he must cast it down and trample 1t under foot
He knew that he had to choose between his love and
his duty between the dearest wish of his heart and
the right course; that there would be made upon
him a demand for sacrifice almost greater than
mortal could bear; that the consequences would
not be merely personal to h1mself-he could have
faced those with phlosophy,-but that they
would be terribly crushing to the being above all
others dear to him.
1t was we'll that the time for reflection was short.
1t is better for man who has to do great things to
do them before the mental and spiritual enemy has
time to insti doubts into the mind And 1t was
with a feeling of relief in his growing apprehension
and misery therefore, that he heard the front door
open He heard voices that he knew in the hail. and
in another moment the library door opened and
Miss Hadane entered the room alone He had
risen her approach and stood confronting her.
CHE was evidently greatly surprised Il did not
~ know you were here, she began Livingstone
did not tell me. l did not expect
1T was to see me, rather that might you,
that you were brought here and alone am respon-
sible''
1t is most extraordinary proceeding" said the
girl nervously. Il can't imag inc why was brought
1T was necessary for to you" returned
the
Then why didn't you to my house,"
Il could not
why not?"
There are reasons that will probably render
forever an unwelcome visitor to your house
Il know, political reasons but they have no
effect upon me"
q am afraid that they will have an effect upon
you Miss Haldane, and because of that fear have
ventured this unusual course, for which ten
der you my slncerest apologies
Il believe" said the girl slowly, that something
very serious must have happened, or you would not
have had me brought here
Something serious has happened, or is about to
happen"
are of trivial Importance. Will you tell me what
you want! ,, oso +h.+ ,;oh+
want an answer to my letter.
Eleanor started to speak, but he checked her.
Il can't imagine, of course, that your feelings
toward me have changed in the least degree in the
short time that has elapsed since told you loved
II don't know what my feelings are, said the girl
frankly; but l don't think they have greatly
changed. 49,
"Of course not How could they?"
And with that knowledge why did you make
a formal offer of yourself why did you ask me to be
your wife,"
Il was in honor bound to do So"
s. In honor?'
You know, of course that it is the dearest wish
of nv heart and that circumstances other
than they are l should have waited more fitting
season to have begged you to marry me; but SOM
thing is about to happen that would perhaps render
it impossible for me to approach you. If that was
the case, l wanted you to feel that l was wholly