Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1910-07-08
Duty VersusLO


Alys Hilton could not remember the
time she had not loved Bruce Harper.
Ever since she was little. curly
haired girl lisping her somewhat i'm
perious commands, she had found a
willing servitor in the boy three years
her senior. It was not, however until
Alys was "a, and Bruce was making
long strides in the musical career he
had chosen, that their engagement
was made public. The wedding was to
have taken place in a few weeks,
when Alys' sisterin-law suddenly
died.
You will postpone your marriage a
few years, Alys, until the children are
older" Maude had pleaded.
But Indignation at the woman's self
ishness counteracting her grief, Alys
had angrily refused.
Half-frenzied by her refusal. Maude
had gripped the girls hands painfully.
How else can leave my children?
Promise. Alys. have done so much
for YOU" Then her voice changed to
piteous pleading. 1T is only a few
years, Alys, that l am asking-only
until Christine is old enough to take
your place"
Rapidly through Alys' mind flashed
the years Of her life In which Bruce
had faithfully responded to every call.
But with equal distinctiveness came
the memory of her mothers death
and of the tender care with which
Maude had shielded the young girl
left to the worlds mercy.
A few minutes and the short, deci-
sive battle was over. In the low,
suppressed tone of person under
great excitement, who, nevertheless, Is
trying to control herself, Alys an
swered.
while | live, Maude, ! VIII be TO
your children what their mother has
been to me"
1t was not until after the funeral
that Bruce was told of the compact.
"If we could only be friends, Bruce.
your friendship would mean so much
to me-"
But Bruce was too angry to be
moved by her distress.
Friends with you" his voice rang
out defiantly, who did not hesitate 10
sacrifice me for your brother?"
scornful look crossed the mans
face. and the next instant Alys was
alone.
No physical suffering followed TO
deaden or kill the mental agony which
for weeks Alys passively endured.
Three months later her brother told
her that Bruce had sailed for Ger
many where he was TO spend several
years in study.
The II years before Alys again
heard from Bruce passed swiftly. Her
brother had never married, and Alys
still had charge OF the home where
her influence was potently felt. IN
Christine, the tall, slender girl OF ~
Ans lived again in the happy days be-
fore her engagement with Bruce had
ended. Until that afternoon she had
thought that nothing could distort the
tranquility OF her surroundings.
Now II was all over. An hour ago
! Christine had stammeringly told her
of Bruce's return from abroad a few
months before, OF the introduction
several subsequent meetings, and nna.
" of his asking permission to call
Only a few hours, and the man whom
she had sacrificed for duty would Dc
with them.
"I am so glad for you. Christine
Years ago | knew your friend, Ally!
had answered in perfectly controlled
voice. when the halting sentences
| were ended.
But now that Alys was alone sh'
found the air of the room stitiing. Sh'
hurried into the garden. Out there
she could breathe.
"Oh. Christine!" she moaned. "fo'
who have never lacked for admirers
could you not be satisfied wlthou
Bruce? But to be Jealous OF chris
tine! Anything but that. Oh, Fathel
snare me that" Alys prayed repeated
| ". Then the passion of grief endeo
That night Alys paused at Chris
tines door on her way down.
| Hurry. dear, or you Will keep you
friend waiting" she gently admomsf
ed.
Yet Christine purposely fingered
Alys was alone in the room whe
Bruce entered. An instants waVerih,
then she moved quietly toward MIN
But a thousand memories surge
swiftly through her mind as she looi
ed AZ the man a hundred fold MOI
attractive now than when she had La
. seen him. Alysi carefully prepare
speech was forgotten.
Bruce" she breathed. Her VOC
was maryellously sweet.
Instantly his arms were aIounu h0
"Oh. Alys, all these years nav
wanted YOU"
Bruces strong, musical voice nile
Alys with a delirium OF happiness
| then the sudden memory OF the 81
upstairs caused her heart TO tnr'
painfully.
"Christine!" she cried reproacnf'
ly.
Christine is darling" fervent
responded Bruce. III 1t weren't
Christine. I should never have know
that you still cared
But thought" began Alys'
THAT | preferred Christine to ye
As II anyone could do that" was
indignant retoinder.
A radiant light transfgured Al!
face. making II almost girlish.
THE years have been good 10
h-;roinV our happiness when we cot