The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1911-10-24

CHAPTER TX.

His first translate BILE impulse was 10
turn and make good his escape before
she became aware OF him. But, as ii
the shock of recognition had palsied
bis will, he remained moveless. Con
tending emotions, resembling the
flashes Of heat and cold of an ague-
1t, alternately COMPOUNDED and stung
him to the point Of madness. For the
first time In days he had forced home
to him all that he had sought to ban
ish from his life; his memories, OF
his gnawing passion for the woman,
of the black crime that had severed
their lives. Seeing before him the
one being in the world dear to him
beyond expression, the one being II
revocably lost TO him, he OWNED
anew with bitter clarity the bridge
less gulf that yawned between them.
1t was inevitable that the woman
should In time become sensitive to his
proximity. Though wholly unaware
Of his approach, though thoroughly as
sured that she was alone, a feeling OF
uneasiness affected her. She resisted
it subconsciously and strove to con-
engaged her; but without effect Then
she turned her head, and threw flick
ering glance toward the house, the
shadow of his figure lay upon the
boundary of her vision. She swung
quickly to face him, suppressing a cry.
Their eyes focused to one another,
his burning, her successfully a-sWim
with establishment, incredulity and
CONSERVATION. For a long moment,
during which neither moved or spoke,
while she grew pale and yet more
pale and he flushed darkly, their
questing glances crossed and re-
crossed like swords at play.
From Katherine's eyes a woman's
soul gazed forth, experienced, ma
ture, Injured to sadness, gently brave:
where had been the eager, question
ing, apprehensive, daring spirit of a
girl. He who had suffered and lived
could see that she in no less degree
had lived and suffered since that even
ing when last he had seen her be-
meath the street lights, bending for
ward from the seat of her town-car to
bid him farewell. Life is not kind:
Life had not been kind to her. II he
had endured, she likewise had en-
dured. in another way, perhaps, but
in no less measure. She, too. had
seen the splendid tapestry Of her il
lusions rent to tatters by Lies i'm
placable hand.
For this one man alone was an
swera ble-Blackstock
Of a sudden, on the echo Of that
name In his brain, Coasts hatred Of
the man, the animosity that had hard
eped to memorable enmity in the cru
chile of his passion, REQUIRED with ten
fold strength and nearly overmastered
him. 1t Is only the ruin their own
| deeds have wrought that men can
view complacently
He stepped forward a single pace,
! with an unconscious gesture as one
who tears from his throat that which
| binders free respiration. Where,
he demanded without preface or apoi-
| ogy, In a voice so thick and hoarse he
hardly knew it for his own-"Where
| Is he?"
| He saw her recoil from his ad
vance, but whether from fear or re-
| pugnance he could not guess. When
| she replied it was with evident diff
| dculty.
Her"
Impatient, he waved aside what
seemed palpable bubble: she must
know very we'll what he meant. What
| are you doing here, III this place
| alone? Why did he leave you here?
| He moved nearer, his voice rising to
vehemence Why are you here, kath
| erine?"
| She drew back again, passing
| through the gateway, so that the fence
stood between them. He comprehend
ed DULY that she did this through
fear of him.
Il might ask as much OF you
| "Of me-" Her quietly interJected
remark threw him momentarily of
his line Of thought
Yes, of you" she replied quietly
quick TO see and take advantage OF
his distraction. How did you get
here? And why?"
BY boat" be returned stupidity.
only irritated by this persistence In
| raising what to him, in his humor OF
the moment, seemed trivial and in,
| consequent tssues-"rny boat, We
got lost and ran aground in the fog