Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1910-04-09


and was coming to close the outer
doors. 1t was time for her to 60 And,
with a glance at her hair in a little
glass and touch to her hat, she went
out into the garden back of Notre
Dame. where she knew her lover
would be waiting,
"Ah, at lastw he exclaimed, spring
ing toward her, with a mirthful, boy
ish smile. He was a man of twenty
seven, slender Of build, but carrying
himself we'll
She tried to speak gayly, but he was
not deceived and answered seriously
in French:
"Hold on. There's something wrong.
We've been sad, ehY
"Why-er"- she began, "I-er"-
Been worrying, know. Too much
church, too much of that old she
dragon Come over here and tell me
about it." He led her to a bench
shaded by a friendly sycamore tree.
Kittredge thrilled under the spell Of
her beauty He lOnged to take her in
his arms and comfort her.
Suppose we go back a little" he
said reassuringly. about six months
ago. | think it was in January, a
young chap in fur Overcoat drifted
into this old stone barn and took
turn around it. He saw the treasure
and the fake relics and the white mar
BILE French gentleman trying to get
out of his coffin. and he didn't care
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
reproachfully.
''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 saintr
"No, no." murmured Alice; mot
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
tredge went on unsteadily: Anyhow,
you were kind to me, and l opened up
little. l told you few things, and
when l went away felt more like a
man. | 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 1t was-'and you'll make a
new start right now.' And | did it.
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-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. AliceY
She drew her hand away and forced
herself to say, You mustn't do that"
He looked at her in surprise. why
not?'
Because cannot be what you
what you want me to be-" she answer
ed looking down.
Il want you TO be my wife"
II know" She lifted her eyes brave
ly and faced him. 1T is true, Lloyd.
1 can never be your wife"
"But why? WhyT
81 cannot tell you" she faltered.
'Is it something you've heard that
I've done Or--Or not done? Don't be
afraid to hurt my feelings. God knows
l was 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" he said bitterly.
Her eyes filed with tears.
"Then You will never be my wife, no
matter how long waltz"
That's it," she sobbed.
Kittredge rose, eying her sternly.
81 understand" he said, "or rather /
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
suppucation. "You won't leave mel
Lloyd. you won't leave me2"
He laughed harshly. What do you
think l ana jumping Jack for you
TO pull string and make me dance?
Well. / guess not. Leave your OF
course I'll leave you. | wish l had
never seen you. I'm sorry / ever came
inside this blooming church. You
don't play fair" he went on reckless
ly. "You haven't played fair at all.
You knew / loved you, and you led
me on. and this Is the end OF it,
He turned away impauenuy and
glanced at his watch.
Lloyd" she said gently, "come to
the house tonight"
"Got an appointment--a banquet"
She looked at him In surprise. "You
didn't tell me-"
"It Is at the Ansonia. It's a new
restaurant on the Champs Elysees,
very swell. / didn't tell you because
well, because ! didn't"