Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1911-11-22

cares for me because he thinks pos
sess qualities don't possess. but
which he-he makes We want to ac-
CURE. I'm not In love with him. but
I'd Nike to be. He seems my only
hope Of escape from becoming the
most pitiable Of creaturcs-a lonely.
cynical. selfish. loveless woman. l
wonder why tell you this?" She
leaned forward abruptly. what are
We going to do about it?"
THAT II what came to find out"
mo: you came to tell me what I
E1ust do. You put the issue squarely.
One OF us must retire in the Others
favor. That amounts to . challenge,
doesn't It? It's too bad we have this
dislike to contend with. Your natural
state Is fighting. and l suppose you
don't mind one fight more. But
don't want to fight for my happiness
or possible happiness. especially when
I run the risk Of losing 1T altogether.
We both run that risk. Don't you
tnink"-there was the faintest twinkle
ia her eyes-"don't you think 1t would
l.. wise, don't you think it would be
good politics, to ignore our dislike and
share the spoils?"
mo. think I should have done
better to let you die in the mills"
II don't understand Why
For an instant the luxurious. tirelit
library faded away from her sight.
She stood amid the CRIME and roar OF
the mills. She felt herself caught in
an iron grasp which dragged her to-
ward death Then a strong hand SELF
ed her. and she stood before a hot eyed
young giant.
"Is it possible? Yes. you are the man
! who saved me In the mills. 1t is hard
TO realize. He was an uncouth. TN
grammatical young rutfian, as I re-
member, while you-you are an educat-
ed She hesitated.
IAN educated ruf1ian." he concluded
dryly.
She regarded him with n new respect.
a respect which Bob, remembering the
girl who had fouted him as of lower
order of creation. resented.
.I'm no more than was then. I
have more. but am no rporc.
A detail OF the scene in the mills re-
Cured to her. "Ah! remember that
l forgot to thank you for saving icy
life. That was very ungrateful. ]
suppose should do so now. 1t really
was very good of YOU
"You needn't thank me. Besides"
he added grimly. lit was unintentional.
I assure you-pnrey an impulse"
I'D rot nl
~ you can't expect me to remain at
swords points with the man who
saved my life?"
His face hardened. Then keep out
of my way
"You mean It," she said in a curious
" regretful tone THAT is part OF
you. l remember you said the same
to me that night in the mills. Keep
out of my way It explains your life.
doesn't 1t? You have gone steadily.
relentlessly forward, brushing aside
every one who stood in your way.
And now that seem to interfere with
your plans you are quite capable OF
sweeping me aside. or Mr.. Remington
either, without thought Of what 1t
means to US. You are relentless! Sup
pose," she asked slowly. suppose I
were to send him away. would you
take it as mark Of gratitude for saw
ing my life as favor to you?"
Bob hesitated. After all. 1t was the
easiest solution. and sometimes con-
cession is victory. And she was very
beautiful. very alluring. so far out of
his reach. With an effort he recalled
his resentment against her and the old
prideful belief in his self sufi1ciency.
mo! You owe me nothing. and
want no fnvors from you"
They both rose. Mrs. Gilbert facing
him with laugh in her eyes.
$50 be It," she said pleasantly. Il
must accept your hostility. You pay
ne a fine compliment. Mr.. McAdoo.
The truth is you're jealous-jealous as
a schoolgirl. Mr.. McAdoO And afraid
of me. can be a very dangerous
.nemy-if choose. II should choose
% accept your challenge and to take
away from you your dearest posses
sion-your happiness. Mr.. McAdoo-
you would be helpless to prevent It
You have no weapons to fight me.
And you know it. Else why are you
here today?" She laughed.
Il wish to God" he cried bitterly. II
had let you die in the mills!'
Smiling. she watched him turn and
:eave her. Then she sat down before
the fire. looking into It's flames with
amused eyes. The gleam of amuse-
ment faded into Effectiveness. ref1ec-
tiveness into wistfulness. She sighed.