The Evening standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1910-1913, 1910-12-03

pressed closely together and she stared at Mr. Barker
in a of fascinated horror Then her gaze turned.
and aghas,, she looked at Whitney, who was looking
as hers
Mr. Barker spoke on, his speech increasing alike in
beauty and power he not only thrilled his audience but
thrilled himself well. and he grew confidence and
strength BY and by he turned his from the speaker
the audience about him and behind him. He the
white stricken face Of Whitney and pang OF rcmorsc
shot through him Then, despite himself he glanced up
the balcony and beheld the face OF Evelyn Carter,
also white and stricken
But he would not look again at either of them; now
he rcsoutcly turned his face all the while the speaker;
the remorse was gone and IN It's place same defiance
that held him to hs task he went on with undimmshed
power the end. saying the whole speech, every word
of it, and delivering such terrible blow TO the bill that
nothing seemed left OF that unhappy measure
Mr. Barker down. white and trembling from his
effort. but triumphant He knew that he had swept the
House off its feet he knew the breathess silence
that followed had preceded his great effort and
then the blood Surged to his head, wild burst OF
cxuation the cheers came, deep rolling, following IN
forced to rise and bow more than once. Ii was
minutes before the applause died and then he sat with
his head modestly bent over his desk He would not
meet the looks OF those two iaccs aga'n-at least not
yet .
The silence came once more. and then up rose tall
figure 1t was Whitney and he too recognized by
the speaker Mr., Barker glanced quickly at him. and
despite himself he ttembed He had never before
Whitney look so and also strong. His features
seemed somehow to be drawn together II his whole
being powerfully concentrated on one purpose, 1t
was the lion about to spring But what could he do,
If he proclaimed the truth all men would laugh at him
and say he the widest of romanccrS. No, such
declaration impossible, and Mr. Barker, steadYns
himself. awaited the event with curiosity that literally
burned him
Whitney began speak in notes low at first but full
OF music and beauty and the great assembly listened IN
cnchained attention Gradually his voice rose, and all
bent forward interest and delight But desk
far away face suddenly turned white, and down
obscure corner the same whitenesS overspread
another face
Whitney was speaking for the bill And he was
speaking for 1t with force a power and matchless
cha end
of life and made 1t seem the most necessary thing IN
all the world to the State Everybody wondered why
they had before such obvious for its
passage. All the effect OF Barkcr's great effort
swept away and people knew now that the bill
would pass, that ought pass.
Whitney demolished Barkcr's argument clause by
clause and point by point Barker shuddcred He too.
was convinced The arguments that had seemed SO
look at the balcony, and there he saw a flushed and
happy face and brilliant gazing down in love, tr
umph and admiration at Whitney Lower sank the head
of Mr.. Barker, and he did not move again until the
done
When Whitney sat down the applause burst forth in
mighty roar. and lasted much longer than that for
Mr. Barker Other speeches made but they
after the climax and when the vote taken that alter
noon the bill pasScd-aS all the world knew through
Whtneys magnificent speech III favor OF It-and was
passed by the Senate on the following day becoming
law with the Governors signature Week later
Whitney was sitting that evening IN the paror at the
house OF the Lieutenant Governor He had asked the
great question and he had received the right answer
His triumph complete and his face expressed his
pride and JOY Evelyn, shy. bushing and oyclicr than
ever, him. and Mr. Carter had Just come in to
express his approval OF his future son-n-law.
While the Lieutenant Governor was speaking, a
servant brought card and before they could say
anything the owner of the card followed
Ii was Mr.. Barker, his face white, but with
strength and resolve IN his eyes. Whitney and Evelyn
gazcd each other astonishmen but Mr. Barker
the FIRST to speak,
al know that you consider my coming here in
truSon and mpcrtipcnce, he said. God knows that
you have a right think that and worse of me Don't
CO. MI Carter; you too should hear this Listen Whit
ney | tempted, sorey tempted. and you. in your
strength, do not know what terrible temptations can
come to a weak like me-.
There was pause. The Lieutenant Governor yet
understanding nothing looked amazed Whitney and
Evelyn touched already in strange manner moved
A little closer each other Mr. Barkers face worked
pitiaby, but he went on resoluely
Il was in the Court OF Appeals room that afternoon
YOU made your speech Miss Carter and heard every
word of il. ! saw how strong it was, and 1t filled me
with envy. Then you went away, forgetting the manu-
script | it there the desk, but at hrst did not
mean 10 steal It, my oath did not | took IT. and
then the terrible temptation that was too strong
for ME. yielded, confess it The speech that made
to-day was yours and you publish the fact the
world ii you will Why you spoke atterward on shc
other side and why YOU did 1t well, the moment,
do understand but have told you the truth.
you know. and have more to say
He stood before them. self-immolated in cxpiation,
but, now, without certain pride 1t is to his infinite
credit that he SAID nothing about Harkins, casting
no blame upon him bu! taking IT all to himself The
three stood in silence for little while and then the
girl, out OF a great heart, spoke
You did a great wrong. Mr.. Barker, she said. but
you have done what few would do 10 undo IL You
j very brave man.
A small warm hand was laid lightly upon his for
moment and then, sudden gush, tears rose to his
eyes With quick movement he bent and kissed tho
hand that soothed his wound.
She stepped back and put her hand in Whitneys.
Tell him, Bob" she SAID.
Whtney's fine face cleared
It's come out right Barker" he said After all,
you gave my great opportunity Whenever |
gong make speech important question, write
the best speech that | the other 2E4. an1
then undertake to answer 1t forestall 1T find it
splendid plan. because then have located my enemy
and meet his weapons with my And. Barker
old man-thc speech you took the supposous
that credited 10 the other side Don't you what
chance you gave me- because had my ready for
every point in that address,!
He came littlc and put his hand lightly
Mr. Barkcr'S shoulder
Barker, old man." he said tho Governor gives one
of his receptions tonight IT is the duty of all
look in for at least few minutes. Won't you come
along with us?