The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1910-05-12

| SHRINE, Where she kneit and tried to
pray. But she found II difficult mat
ter Lloyd Kirtredge-how often she
had murmured that name in her lone
ly hours He would be here shortly
for his answer.
And, alas. she must say NO to
him. She must give him pain She
could not hope 10 make him under
stand. How could any one understand?
And then perhaps he would misjudge
her Perhaps he would leave her in
anger and not come back any more.
Not come back any more!
A descending step on the tower
stairs broke in upon her meditatioHs,
and she rose quickly from her knees.
The sacristan had finished his rounds
/ and was coming to close the outer
doors. 1t was time for her to 20. And,
! with a glance at her hair in a little
/ glass and a touch to her hat, she went
| out into the garden back of Notre
J Dame. where she knew her lover
/ would be waiting
| "Ah. at last 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 be was
not deceived and answered seriously
in French:
Hold on There's something wrong.
We've been sad. eh:''
"Why-er"- she began. Ter
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 little he
said reassuringly. About six months
ago. | think it was in January, a
young chap in a fur overcoat drifted
into this old stone barn and took a
turn around it. He saw the treasure
and the fake relics and the white mar
bic 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 saint"
mo, no. murmured Alice; mot
saint. only poor girl who saw you
were unhappy and-and was sorry"
Their eyes met tenderly. and for a
moment neither spoke Then Kit
tredge went on unsteadily: Anyhow,
you were kind to me. and l opened up
little | told you few things, and
when l went away | felt more like a
man. l 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
new start right now And | did ii.
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. Alice?"
She drew her hand away and forced
herself to say. You mustn't do that"'
He looked at her in surprise. Why {
notT'
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? Why?'
81 cannot tell you" she faltered.
rs 1t something you've heard that
I've done or-or not done? Don't be ;
afraid TO hurt my feelings. God knows /.
| was fool, but I've kept straight i,
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
natter how long / wait?'
aaThat's II =" she SObhpd
Kittredge rose. eying her sternly.
Il understand" he said. "or rather l
lon't understand. but there's no use :
talking any more. I'll take my medi-
line. and-goodby."