Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-03-19

himself well
She tried 20 speak gsyly. but be was
not deceived and answered seriously
in French:
Hold on. There's something wrong
We've been sad. eh7"
"Why-er"- she began. Ter
Been worrying. I know. Too much
church. too much OF that old she
dragon Come over here and tell me
about H." He Ted her 20 a bench
shaded by q friendly sycamore tree.
Kittredge thrilled under the spell Of
her beauty. BE lOnged 70 take her in
bis arms and comfort hor.
Suppose We go bacs a little" he
said resssuringly About six months
ago. think IL was 10 January, a
young chap 90 q fur overcoat drifted
into this old stone barn and took a
turn around II. he saw the treasure
and the fake relics and the white mar
bic French gentleman trying 20 get
out or his CONN. and he didn't care q
hang about any OF EN- until he saw
you. Then he began 70 take notice
The young fellow with the fur over
coat kept coming back and coming
back. only soon he came without bis
overcOat
In bitter cold weather" she said
reproachfully
He was pretty blue that day. wasn't
hel Dead sore on the game. Money
all blown la. overcoat up the spout.
nothing ahead and a whole year of
OF darned foolishness behind Excuse
the. but that's what Il was. Well. he
blew In that day. and-he walked over
10 where sou were sitting. you darling
little saint
mo. no" murmured Alice. not a
saint only poor girl who saw you
were unhappy and-snd was sorry
Their eyes met tenderly. and for a
moment neither spoke Then Kilt
tredge went on unsteadily: Anyhow.
you were kind TO me. and I opened up
little. told you a few things. and
when ] went away felt more ike q
man said 10 myself. Lloyd Kit
tredge. II you're any good you'u cut
out this thing that's been raising the
dickens with you'-excuse me. but
that's what Il was-'Rnd youu make a
new start right now And did L..
There's 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
did II all for you" lie caught her
hand IN his. aud she felt his warm
breath on her cheek All for you.
You know that don't you. AliceY'
She drew her hand away and forced
he-self % say. You mustn't do THAR
He looked az her I'm surprise. why
RotT'
Because cannot be what you
what you want me to be-" she answer.
ed. looking down.
Il want you to be my wife"
Il know" She lifted her eyes brave
~ and faced him. 1t Is true. Lloyd.
can never be your wife
But Why whyT"
Il cannot tell you" she faltered.
rs II something you've heard that
I've done or-Or not dOne2 Don't be
afraid To hurt my feelings. God knows
/ WAS a fool. but I've kept straight
since ! knew you. I'll swear to that"
Il believe you. dear"
"You care for me. and yet you turn
me down" be said bitterly.
Her eyes filled with tears.
Then you will never be my wife. no
matter how long / waltz"
That's it," she sobbed.
Klttredge rose. eying her sternly.
Il understand" be said. ''Or rather I
don't understand. but there's no use
talking any more. I'll take my medi-
cine. and-goOdby"
She looked at him IN frightened
supplication. You won't leave msY
Lloyd, you won't leave meY"
he laughed harshly. What do you
think | ana jumping jack for you
TO pull string and make me dance?
Well. guess not Leave your OF
course III leave you wish had
never seen you. I'm sorry l ever came
inside this blooming church. You
cont play fair" be went on reckless
ly- You haven't played fair at all.
You knew 4 loved you. and You led
me on. and this Is the end or It"
He turned away impatientiy and
glanced at his watch
Lloyd" she said gently, "come to
the house tonight"
Got an appointmeDt-a banquet"
She looked at him In surprise. "You
didn't tell me-"
1T is at the Ansonia. It's q new
restaurant on the Champs Elysees.
very swell. didn't tell you because
well. because ! didn't"
Lloyd" she whispered. don't go to
the banquet"
Don't go7 Why. this is our ma
uonal holiday. I'm down to tell some
stories. I've got 10 GO Besides.
wouldn't come to you. anyway. What's
the user I've said all can. and
you've said No So it's all cfr--that's
right. Alice. It's all on His eyes
were kinder now. bnt he spoke firmly.
Lloyd" she begged. "cone after
the banquet l ask IL for Jou- IL