Ottumwa tri-weekly courier., 1910-02-03

He was flushed from the excitement Of
his journey. But something intangible
checked the smile on his lips; his
quick-almost feminine - Intuition
sensed instantly the air of constraint
in the room
Miss Carewe Is leaving us at noon,
Dick" said his aunt as If in answer
to his unspoken question. 81 think
it's shame, don't see how we're TO
get along without her, do you? We
can't persuade her to change her
mind. Perhaps If you'd try"
Is this true, Miss Marcia?"
The little governess nodded as she
rose from her chair at the table. Two
throbbing circles of red burned in her
cheeks, but she met his eyes bravely.
TN sorry to go, of course, Mr.. Chel-
wick" she said. 'I've been very happy
here, but as you know, I'm alone in the
world and can't afford to neglect any
opening that points to my advance
ment"
relieved expression came into the
mans eyes. ooh, if that's all, stay on
by all means with us. I'll raise your
salary to suit you, and
1T is too late now, sir. You're more
than kind, but it would be impossible.
You see, I've already signed
Then resign. I'll make it decidedly
worth your while; I will, indeed, Miss
Marcia!" Chelwick drew off his coat
and tossed 1t carelessly across chair.
Then he drew up another and sat
down to Ms breakfast.
The blood had famed, banner-liF>.
Morrio no So Il al;a
but her tone was firm. 81 cannot, Mr..
Chelwick,' she said, "please let's dis
cuss it no more"
Chelwick pushed aside his plate and
rose. "Will you go into the library.
Miss Carewe" want a private word
with you"
The governess swallowed a lump.
She knew by that that there was a
battle ahead of her. This was not the
first time their wills had clashed and
she shrank inwardly. But she replied
by pleasant inclination Of her head
and passed into the room beyond.
Chelwick followed. The ruddy glow
had deserted his cheeks and his eyes
betrayed set purpose Marcia was
standing at one of the windows look
ing out-and gathering her forces =
when the sound of his voice, grave,
pitched, caused her to turn.
"Now then, let's have the whole
truth from your own lips
A quivering fear lest he should pen
citrate her heart made Marcia Carewe
brave. There's only one thing to say.
Mr.. Chelwick, and I've already said
it. have given my promise to take
this class in the high school, and l
have no right to draw back"
Has anyone been disrespectful -
hurt your feelings, here?" he demand
ed, ignoring her last words complete
ly. "You must not hesitate to be can
did with me-" He paused.
Never, Mr.. Chelwick," she replied
quickly. Every one has been more
than kind-too kind. 1t breaks my
heart to say good-by. I've felt as if
this were really home. You ought to
understand this, sir; a girl in my posi-
tion can't choose the soft places all
through life; she must get out and
battle"
But when she needn't" he persist
ed. when
There are many ways of looking
at a thing, Mr.. Chelwick have my
own ideas Of ndependence-and I
could not think Of accepting favor"
Il don't take that view of 1t, Miss
Marcia. You would be the one to con-
fer the favor. BY your sweetness and
goodness, you have completely capti-
waited my children. Won't you try to
see it my way and reconsider?'
The little goyerness shook her head
"I'm sorry" she said.
Chelwick crossed his hands at his
back and took several impatient turns
up and down the room. Then. impul-
sively, he lifted the small, cold hand
that hung at her side and crushed il
in his palm
Don't go!" he begged.
We-can't do without you, Mar
cia."
The governess caught her breath
with little imperceptible jerk
THE house would be a wilderness
with you gone"
Marcia's heart stood still.
Things would go all to rack l.
can't you see?' His warm breath
famed her cheek.
She turned and looked at him, draw
ing her trembling hand out of his
clasp. "If | was sure you needed ME
So
Need you! Good heavens, child, we
simply can't get along with you gone
You've made our sunshine so long
that-oh, well, it's out Of the ques-
ton, that's ALL
"Yet I fear l must" The girls voice
held out valiantly.
"And you-shan't-there' an end of
it." The peculiar mastery ring was in
his tone, and Marcia shook under it.
But she caught herself quickly to-
gether.
There was tense moment of 81
lence. Again he took her hand, this
time in both his own my children
need you more than anybody in the
world right now, Marcia They've new
er known any real motherly care since
their own mother died. You-you un-
derstand what it is that I mean, do
you not?"
His tone vibrated through the little
governess's heart like a strain of ex-
quisite music. Her lids dropped and
she waited for the words he would
speak next.
His eapar GLANCE deyo,,red bar faca