The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1910-06-03

her trousseau, l imagine, and the hope
went over me that it might yet fulfill
the purpose for which it had been de-
signed. Her cloak was white too-a
velvety thing that l had not seen be-
fore. 1t became her wonderfully, with
its bewitching folds and curves and
richness. And her brown head, lifting
itself with all it's charming poise
above the new loneliness, thrilled me
while the eyes that looked down on
me were more like the eyes of the
Barbara l loved than they had been
for very long time
"Oh, you!" she exclaimed, from the
landing where she paused an instant
at sight of me.
Going out?' l asked, lightly, as if
| were not dazzled and palpitant.
ITO a very small affair at the
Averills'. Why not come along?"
Because I'm not asked. But you
will give me a minute before you
go?" pleaded.
She glanced at the hall clock.
Yes, think so. Hord Averill is
coming for me, but it isn't time for
him yet"
Annie said l to the maid, IF Mr..
Averill arrives, show him into the
drawing-room and let him wait"
You are very urgent" Barbara
said, with rather uncertain smile.
held open the library door and she
entered. She did not sit, but stood
half turning to me, leaning against
the corner of the table near the fire.
place, where a low fire burned. | had
never seen her half so lovely, nor so
adorable.
I'VE have abused our friendship and
treated 1t shamefully," | said at once.
and now perhaps l am about to
maroon 1t; but I must take the chance.
Forgive me if l have come too soon.
dear, but can wait no longer. | must
know-now that you are free to tell
me-whether l can ever hope that you
will care for me-"
DO you know all that has han
pened?" she asked. She was as
white as her gown, and her eyes only
half lifted to mine.
Yes, Barbara. Don't mind. dear.
Part of it l guessed and the other
part had to be told me- But am glad
that there is nothing for you to tell
me-nothing but the one thing | am
SO eager to hear. Yon won't keep me
waiting any longer, will you?"
After all that has happened you
aill want me for-your-"
More than ever; a thousand times
more than ever!" | cried.
Il don't understand how you can"
she said. She turned her face from
ME, leaning heavily on the table, the
soft freight over her. Gould you
ever be sure of me? l have deceived
you so long"
You must deceive neither yourself
nor me now" l said, seriously. ~
want the truth, whatever that is. Be
honest. Don't try to be kind to me
You have had to make pretense so
long. Think only of yourself now"
| waited for her reply. but II wae
long in coming, so long that my heart
sank
IF ! am to be honest" she began
y must tell you that-that-"
Yes Don't be afraid, dear"
That 1t would be foolish-foolish
Tor me to-to try TOTO care for you.
for 1"
Don't try to go on" cried q see
have been fool to expect it."
A little sound of pain escaped her
! pulled myself together with an
effort
You mustn't worry" l said. DULY
cant blame you, heaven know.! !
wouldn't have you come to me unless
you love me, you know that, Aud I
would rather go on-alone-than ma,
you give yourself to me through tB.
oh, yes, yes!" she cried.
! stared into the fire. bou
thought ! was prepared!
CONTINUED on page ~