Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-10-02
Quit. naturally ne fell to talking of


his story and the plot that would not
come. ''rhe man is an athlete. splen-
did fellow IN every way. Him l nave
modelled after Philip Lotridge. friend
of mine at college. lie has won his
way Nd from the ranks. has my hero.
and be Is worthy OF any woman Nv
Ing. even the one my imagination has
created for him. lie has been abroad,
and I've fitted him up with some OF
the experiences / had myself While re-
porting on a New York paper. But he
is doomed TO lose her. The Turks say.
| Won know, He that has many horses
hath no wives I've endowed him
with money and graces Of body ana
mind. but l cannot give him the girl
! he loves.
And she, Miss Broadhurst. If can
picture her as see her, should make
me famous. | thought one SO sweet
aud charming could not exist until
saw you. and you are her counterpart
Ii was no idle compliment. no silly
attempt at Irritation. Swiftly the girl
searched Cartrights mind and found
him sincere. THANK you. Mr.. Cart
right" she said simply. yet she color
ed with pleasure.
1T may seem queer" he continued.
but there is feeling. too strong TO
be overcome that must part them.
would give all 1 have could they but
marry, yet they cannot 1t Is what
call my literary conscience. Often l
know that my stories would sell better
were l to change in some gases even
single paragraph, but never do It."
His companion nodded. Il know the
feeling. When l was n little girl my
mother gave me the task of sweeping
the parlor. l did not Nike 1t, and at
first I did it hurriedly. leaving I'M
swept the places ! thought would not
be discovered. When mother came TO
fnspect the room her tone of mingled
reproof and surprise filed me with
shame when she said. And my Ruth
did not sweep behind the door! That
was all. yet whenever am tempted TO
shirk or do anything which Is not
right I think 4 must sweep behind the
door,"
Her naive simplicity delighted Cart
right. and he led her to talk OF her
home town. her friends and her daily
occupations. Yet there was never
word Of the ring nor the man who had
placed II upon her finger. and Cart
right respected her fine delicacy.
Everything must come TO an end,
and this Incompatible day was draw
ing to a close. With n start of sur
prise the girl noted the sIanting sun.
Il had no idea 1t was so late" she
said. How the time has fiown?'
Cartright helped her to her feet.
every nerve thrilling at the touch or
her little hand.
He held 1t between his own and bent
impetuously toward her. Need we
say GOODBYE" he said. May l not
call tonightf"
She raised her eyes to his. They
were both glad and troubled at his
words. yet within their depths was an
appeal he could not mistake-an APP
peal to his chivalry. cit must be good
by" she said. and then. Il am to be
married In September"
He dropped her hand. And so am
T." he replied gloomily. II suppose
after the 18th Of September / must
not even think Of you any more"
"Wednesday. the 18th? Why. that Is
my wedding day"
And mine"
Miss Broadhurst smiled as she turn
ed away. Mr. Cartright. there is the
plot for your story"
Need It be written he asked pas
sionately, pleadingly. That story Is so
sad-the saddest have ever known"
The sweet lips were tremulous. but
the eyes were brave and steady now
lit must be written" she said softly
Your heroine was true ana sweet
Help her to sweep behind the door,.
TO remain true to herself and her
promise. And. oh. believe me. though
they parted. those two in the story.
she always remembered him. and.
breathlessly. was sorry. perhaps. that
that they were not to be together
nor even see each other again"
And he-the man in the stoTy-was
more than sorry. He would have said
much. yet honor forbade She gave
him rose which he always kept
And this is the end OF the story"
The girl unpinned a rose at her
breast. She kissed 1t and handed II
to Cartright and went her way IN
seeingIy. for her eyes were filed with
tears. She turned once and looked
back. He stood upon the spot where
they had parted. The rose he held to
his lips.