The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-06-17
CHAPTER vi (continued)


CHAPTER VI (Continued)
He was silent a few seconds, and
seemed at loss how to proceed
while Olive Castlemaine sat scarce
ly realizing the true condition Of
affairs. at the same time feeling the
masterfuluesa of the man who spoke
to her.
Perhaps you are hardly interest
Ell to know the reason for this he
went on. nevertheless l must tell
you You are the reason
f. Mr.. Leicester?'
You. l have not learned to be
lieve in goodness generally, but |
believe in your goodness. | have not
learned to believe in women, but !
believe in woman. believe in
you. Ard / believe in you because
| love you"
He spoke quietly and there was
no tremor in his voice, but his face
was. if possible, paler than usual
That he was deadly in earnest no
one could doubt.
Il make no pretences ~ he went
on. II do not say, nay, do not
think that l shall ever become a
pattern man. Even now | have no
strong faith. even if l have any in
either God or man. but | love you.
He seemed to be carried away
by his own confession. Almost rude
~ he turned his back on her and
walked to the window and l1oked
over the stretch of lawn and park
land. But he did not remain there.
When he came back again Olive
glanced at him almost fearfully and
for a moment was well-nigh repelled
by the fierce light in his eyes.
Il love you he went on, still
quietly; but his voice had changed.
There was an intensity in its tones
which she had never heard before.
Il love you so, that-that with you
at my side, | feel | could conquer
anything, accomplish auything-any-
thing. Look at me, yes, like that
Now then, do you love me-
Almost mechanically she shook her
head. She did not know why she did
this, cnly it seemed as if some un-
seen monitor compelled her.
Radford Leicester took a step to-
wards her.
you must" he said, in the same
low tone, but still almost fiercely
you must, you must. You must not
withhold it. Good God, you do not
know what this hour means to me.
My life. my future my faith, my all
is in your hands
Still she remained silent Her face
had become pale, and although the
look in her eyes was not of fear, it
showed no confidence.
Speak to me-" he went on. 81 am
not boy longing for new toy.
] am a hardened man, hardened
sinner, if you like. | make no
boasts, but l love you, | love you,
and you must love me, you must.
For a moment the girl resented
his air of masterfulness. She was
not of the weak and pliable kind oil
women that could be carried away
/ by wild assault. She looked up at
/ him steadily now and Leicester saw
by the expression in her eyes that
| lac had touched a wrong chord.
Forgive me my rudeness, he
| said before she had a chance to
/ speak. but / think a man in ear
/ nest is sure to be rude; he must
Re. Do not think, moreover, that
/ dc not realize the value of what
| am asking for. l do. know that
you have been sought after on al
hands l know that you are said to
be rich, and that you can choose
where you will. Oh. yes; | have
thought of all that, and | have real
lied my madness in coming to you;
but l am a desperate man. No, no
do not think | am simply attracted
by a beautiful face. | have beer
seeing beautiful faces any time these
last ten years; it's not that. It's you
you. | love you, | tell you, and i
you cannot love me. / shall 90 int
a blacker hell than l have eve
yet known and | shall go ther,
with eagerness, and eagerness borr
of despair. But with your love
can do anything. Oh, | am not boas;
ing. and | am not speaking before
looking down to the very depths
but with your love can live a lif,
worth living. | can make a position