The Charles Mix new era. (Wagner, Charles Mix County, S.D.) 1???-1911, 1910-03-25

me. leaning heavily on the table. the
soft freight over her. Could you
ever be sure OF me. have deceived
you . long"
You must deceive neither yourself
nor me now" ! said. seriously. Il
want the truth. whatever that is. he
honest. Doa't try to be kind to me.
Yoa have had to make prctense SO
long. Think oaly OF yourself now"
waited for her reply. but II was
long in coming. so loEg that my heart
sank.
III l am to be honest" she began.
Il mus, tell you that--that-"
Yes Don't be afraid. dear"
THAT ii would be foolish-fooiish
for me to-to try to-to are for you.
for l."
Don't try to &C on" cried. Il see.
] have been a fool TO expect It."
A little sound OF pain escaped her.
pulled myself together with an
effort.
you mustn't worry" l said. duly.
Il cant b.ame you. heaven knows. I
wouldn't have you come TO me unless
you love me. you know that. And I
would rather go on-alone-than have
you give yourself 10 me through pity"
"Oh. yes, yes" she cried.
stared into the fire. had
thought | was prepared.
Presently she began to speak again:
Won't you let me finish. pleaseg l.
I want you to understand II would
be foolish for me to-to try to care
for you. because-because-"
"Oh, don't try to ease 1t for me-" !
broke In. II must learn to bear II.
Forgive me for being so long getting
yourself. dear. You never gave the
any reason To hope. but l did. ! told
myself that | didn't. but | did-even
when | thought Ankony was going to
carry you OF the next day. | still
hoped. II seemed to me that heaven
meant you should belong to me. and
that | u have you. But there.
there. don't look at me like that.
and don't"
II am going to fnish." she said.
-esolutely. Let me go on"
Il wish you wouldn't" l urged.
She sat down. bending to the fire. ]
could not see her eyes. but ! knew
they were misty, and the softness OF
her voice was indescribable.
Il couldn't try to care for you be-
cause-because | have been-have
been fighting for months-to-to quit
caring. Oh. why-why will you be SO
dense?"
Barbara" I cried. bending over
her.
She put up a futile little hand be.
tween us. but | laughed In the rap.
my arms.
Wait" she pleaded.
My waiting Is Overt" breathed.
"Oh. look at me, dear one, and let me
have the testimony OF your eyes. I'm
afraid of your lips"
Foolish" whispered she. lifting
he. eyes to mine. And then: But
oh. rot are-Tom. Tom, you are
crushing my beautiful new gown. and
tit did cost such a pile" with q lit
tie breathless laugh.
There will be plenty OF other
gowns" | exclaimed, but never an
other moment quite like this"
The fire did It's best to be up to the
situation; II cracked In a sudden
noisy glee and threw enchanting shad
ows owe Barbara's head as | looked
down on 1t. Dams rheumatic old
spaniel, who haunted the library
awoke from his nap In the corner al
the moment and. coming To stretch
himself on the hearth-rug. observed
something unusual going on, and, look
ing up inquiringly, brushed against
Barbara's skirts to attract her atten
ton.
the hall and | heard the outer dool
open and a mans voice in the vesti
bule.
Its Averill." l said. Il shan't 81
much mind having to give you up u
him now"
But he did not seem to enter int
the moment with her.
oh. IL has been SO hard she wills
pered. a little half sob breaking tn,
sweetness of her voice. There wer,
times when | thought | should never
never be able TO stand IT," and | fel
her shiyer in my arms.
Il know. my brave one" | Wits
pered back; Il know"
She lifted her head a m late
and looked at me. and my heart bowe,
beneath the shining of her eyes an,
the tremulous beauty of her dear face
But il doesn't matter now. Moth
ing matters now she said, thrillingly
CTHE ENID