The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1911-05-27
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without barterlng woman'S happiness
and his sons happiness, let him find
comfort in his self justifcationv'
Shirley, completely unnerved, made
move toward the door, unable longer
to bear the strain she was under. She
tottered as though she would fall. Ry-
der made quick movement toward his
son and took him by the arm. Pointing
to Shirley, he said in low tone:
"You see how the girl pleads your
cause for you! She loves you, my
boy"' Jefferson started. Yes, she
does" pursued Ryder senior. She's
worth a thousand Of the RossmoFe wo-
man. Make her your wife, and pll"-
snake her my wife, cried Jefferson
joyously. He stared at his parent as
If he thought he had suddenly been be-
reft of his senses.
Make her my wife," he repeated in
credulously.
'sWell, what do you say?'' demanded
Ryder senior.
The young man advanced toward
Shirley hands outstretched.
Yes, yes, Shir-Miss Green, will
your Seeing that Shirley made no
sign, he said: Not now, father. I will
speak to her later
mo, no; tonight-at once!' insisted
Ryder. Addressing Shirley, he went
on: Miss Green, my son is much at
fected by your disinterested appeal in
his behalf. He-he-you can save him
from himself. My son wishes you-he
asks you to become his wife! Is 1T not
50, Jeferson?'
Eyes, yes. my wife" advancing again
toward Shirley.
The girl shrank back in alarm.
''No, no. no, 1ir. Ryder, cannot;
cannotr' she cried.
"Why not?' demanded Ryder senior
appealingly. "Ah, don't-den't decide
hastily
Shirley, her face set and drawn and
keen mental distress showing in every
line of it, faced the two men, pale and
determined. The time had come to re-
veal the truth This masquerade could
60 on no longer. It was not honorable
either to her father or to herself. Her
self respect demanded that she inform
the fnancier Of her true identity.
II cannot marry your son with these
lies upon my lips!" she cried. II can
not go on with this deception told you
you did not know who I was, who my
people were. My story about them, my
name, everything about me is false,
every word have uttered Is a lie,
fraud, a cheat! I would not tell you
now, but you trusted me and are will
ing to entrust your sons future, your
family honor in my keeping, and I
can't keep back the truth from you.
Mr.. Ryder, I am the daughter Of the
man you hate. I am the woman your
son loves I am Shirley Rossmoret'
Ryder took his cigar from his lips
and rose slowly to his feet.
"You? You?" he stammered
"Yes-yes, I am the Rossmore wo-
man! Listen, MI. Ryder. Don't turn
away from me- Go to Washington
on behalf of my father, and promise
you will never see your son again
] never, never!'
& "Ah, shtrley~ cried JEFFERSON, "you
. don't love mer'
eyes, JEFF, do. God knows I dol But
# must break my own heart to save
7 my father will do it."
would you sacrifice my happiness
and your owuT'
''No happdness can be built On lies,
Je6 We must build on truth or our
whole house will crumb&e and fall. We
have deceived your father, but he will
forgive that, WORT your she said, ap-
pealing to Ryder, and you will go to
Washington, you will save my fathers
honor, his life, you wi1i2'-
They stood face to face-th1s slim,
delicate girl battling for her fathers
life, arrayed against a cold hooded,
hea9tlesa, unscrupuious man, deaf to
every impulse Of human sympathy or
pity. Since this woman had deceived
him, fooled him, he would deal With
hef as with every one else who creased
his will. She laid her hand on bis arm,
pleading with him. Bruta1iy, savegsly,
he thrust her aside.
NO, no, I wHl nots'' he thunfiered.
"You have woFmed yourself into my
confidence by means Of Hes md deceit.
You have trfcked me-, fooled me to the
very limit! Oh. It is easy to see how
you have beguiled my son into the fol
y Of loving you! And yeu-you have
the brazen effrontery to ask me to
plead for your father? MOI Mol No:
Let the law take its eourse, and now,
Miss Rossmore, you will please leave
my house tomorrow mofningv'
Shirley stood listening to what he
had to say, her face white, her mouth
qufvering. At last the CRISIS had come.
It was a fight to the finish between
this man, the incarnation Of corporate
1. greed, and herself, representing the
fundamental principles Of right. and
Justice. She turned on him In fury:
Yes, will leave POUR house tonight!
& Do you think would remain another
hour beneath the roof Of man who in
Y Is blind to justice, as deaf to mercy,
3 as incapable Of human sympathy. a
4 you areg' f-...s
She raised her voice, and a. she
s stood there denouneing the man Of