The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-10-03
COPYRIGHT, 1910 BY

CASS Wllu tue uuIuDDellS, IOuOWeQ Dy a cold shower. After a quick. hard rubdown he dressed very carefully. The mirror told him that his sleep lessness had left no trace other than the faint shadows under the eyes and a slight pallor that was very, becom- ing.
 He went out and, boarding a car, rode downtown to his favorite grill room, where he sat for more than an hour dawdling langaidly over his breakfast. For another hour he tramp ed the streets istlessly. steering an atmless course through the bustlng crowds. A faint, not unpleasant, mel ancholy fell upon him.. such as some times comes to one who beholds an autumn sunset or. the unhappy denoue- ment of a play. He fingered luxu- rfously in the mood, tasting its flavor. -. His course, without conscious fnten- ton, led him to the First National bank building. Nor was he conscious of any exercise of win one way or the othe as he entered the elevator and was whisked to Sanger's offices. Sam ger greeted him cordially, with no out ward sign of exultation. Paul's only sensations were surprise that 1t was 50 easy and matter of fact, and some what of disappointment that it was so fiat and tasteless. this treachery upon which he had brooded so fore bodingly. He read the formal state ment twice before signing. He could not realize that it meant the end of six years friendship, the beginning of a new scheme of existence for him. Only when the notary administered the oath did he feel qualm- A slight shiver passed over him. Then he laughed uncertainty. He drew a deep breath of relief-he thought-that 1t was over. The melancholy returned.
 His next stop was at a telephone booth, where he called up the Sanger home 1n response to his Inquiries ,Eleanor's maid informed him that madam had signified her intention of going to a certain department store to do some shopping.
 Pam hung up the receiver and steer ed straight course for the department store designated. With sigh of re- lief he espied the big hooded automo- bile standing before the entrance to the store. The chauffeur was fussily examining the machine. Paul stopped and abstractedly watched him. The latter touched his hat, importantly continuing his labors. which seemed to be superfluous. Paul sat in the na- chine and waited. smoking dreamily. An hour later he heard a surprised 'eWhat are you doing herer' r He turned quickly, his eyes lighting up warmly. Waiting for you"
 She laughed "I was so vain as to guess that Are you going somewhere? Perhaps we can set you down thereT
 ''Yes," he said. with a proprietary air; 'T'm going to luncheon, and you are coming with me"
 "Is that an invitation? Then ac- cept. I'll let you intoya secret. I have been wretchedly lonely all morning. I came shopping just to escape it And I was dreading the prospect of an aftemoon alone in that big empty house"
 "Then Pm twice glad waited"
 He opened the door. and they both entered the car. James cranked and deftly lodged through the crowded thoroughfares toward the restaurant Paul had chosen.
 He turned dreamily to her.
 ''You shouldn't be lonely" he said in the hrened tone one would use at a deathbed. .'since you have for com piny-you."
 -I ind myself sorry company some times."s she answered. with an attempt at brightness. ,
 His beautiful woman's mouth curv- ed in dreamy smile. Tt is company worth any sacrifice to win." ~.
 When the car came to a stop before the restaurant they alighted and went in-. Paul made only pretense of eat ing.
 You're eating hardly anything" she said. Aren't you well?"
 For answer he pointed to her own plate, hardly touched.
 T had a very late breakfast" she explained
 80 had l. HusI1p he almost whis- pered. "Let us not talk"
 With a half contemptuous shrug of oer shoulders she gave over the at tempt to disturb him. She wondered how she could ever have deceived her self into the belief that she could love or that she wanted to love him.
 ''It was pity. only." she thought. "Always pity"
 Paul stirred uneasily, lowering his eyes to meet hers. He looked at her long and steadily.
 Eleanor Eleanorr' he cried. softly pleading. Tt isn't trueY'
 -~s.sS isii-t trueT- sne asked. though she knew the answer.
 That you will never love mer' he whispered tremulously.
 She put out her hand uncertainty, as though she would tighten the blow.
 ''No," she said pityingly. ''I can never love you as you wish"
 He caught her hand in his own. ;n their secluded corner they were sate from observation. though neither