The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-03-22

Hold on. There's something wrong We've been sad. eh?' "Why-er'- she began. "I-er"- Been worrying. 1 know. Too mucl church. too much of that old she ! dragon Come over here and tell mt
 about i.." He led her to a bencE shaded by a friendly sycamore tree
 Kittredge thrilled under the spell o1 her beauty. He longed to take her 1K
 his arms and comfort her.
 Suppose we go back a little,' he said re&ssurtngly. About six months ago. think it was in January. a young chap in a fur overcoatS drifted into this old stone barn and took 8 turn around it. He saw the treasure and the fake relics and the white niar. ble French gentleman trying to get out of his coffin. and he didn't care a hang about any of 'em until he saw you. Then he began to take notice. The young fellow with the fur over coat kept coming back and coming back. only soon he came without his overcoat"
 ''In bitter cold weather,'' she said reproachfuIly.
 ''He was pretty blue that day, wasn't he? Dead sore on the game. Money all blown in. overcoat up the spout, nothing ahead and a whole year of of darned foolishness behind. Excuse me. but that's what it was. Well. he blew in that day. and-he walked over to where you were sitting, you darling little saint"
 'tNo. mo- murmured Alice; mot a saint, only a poor girl who saw you were unhappy and-and was sorry"
 Their eyes met tenderly. and for moment neither spoke. Then Kit redge went on unsteadily: Anyhow, you were kind to me. and l opened up little. I told you a few things. and when I went away felt more like man. 1 said to myself Lloyd Kit tredge. if you're any good you'll cut out this thing that's been raising the dickens with you'-excuse me. but that's what it was-.and you'll make a new start right now And I did it. There's a lot you don't know. but you can bet all your rosaries and relics that I've made fair fight since then. I've worked and-been decent, and-I did it all for you.' He caught her hand in his., and she felt his warm breath on her cheek. ''All for you. You know that. don't you. Alice?''
 She drew her hand away and forced herself to say. You mustn't do that!''
 He looked at her in surprise. Why notY'
 Because I cannot be what you what you want me to be- she answer ed. looking down.
 sI want you to be my wife,
 sI know" She lifted her eyes brave ly and faced him. Tt is true, Lloyd. I can never. be your wife,
 ''But why? Why?"
 'sI cannot tell you.'' she faltered.
 '1s it something you've heard that I've done or-or not done? Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings. God knows I was, a fool. but I've kept straight since 1 knew you. I'll swear to that"
 ''I believe you. dear"
 You care for me. and yet you turn me down. he said bitterly.
 Her eyes filled with tears.
 '"Then. you will never be my wife, no matter how long 1 wait?''
 That's it.'' she sobbed.
 Kittredge rose. eying her sternly. i '1 understand.'' he said. Tor rather | don't understand. but there's no use 1 any more. I'll take my medi- | cine. and-goodby."
 She looked at him in frightened 1 "You won't leave me7 | Lloyd. you won't leave me?'
 He laughed harshly. What do you think I ana jumping jack for you to pull string and make me dance? We'll. guess not. Leave you? Of course I'll leave you. wish I had never seen you. Pm sorry l ever came inside this blooming church. You don't play fair.' he went on reckless y. You haven't played fair at all You knew 1 loved you. and you led ne on. and this is the end of it.''
 He turned away impatiently and glanced at his watch.
 Lloyd" she said gently, ''come to he house tonight"
 ''tiot an appointment-a banquet"
 She looked at him ill surprise. You lidn't tell me-
 ''It is at the Ansonia. It's a new k restaurant on the Champs Elysees. 'ery swell I didn't tell you because we'll. because l didn't
 Lloyd she whispered, ''don't go to he banquet"
 Gro be continued)