Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-09-10
Chapter Xxx. La Femme Propose Continued

AND so they turned their horses into another trail
~ which descended among the rocks and scrub
oak, after awhile emerging at the edge OF great
sand dune which the wind had tossed up from the
valley below, hill of sand thousand feet high three
miles wide, and six miles long mountain range in
miniature in which trees rocks and part of mountain
were oberated. Even the Great Desert had not pre-
scented Rita Chcyne such of desolaton Their
horses stopped, smiled the breeze, and snorted Jeff
pointed into the air. where vulturcs wheeled
Mrs Cheyne shuddcred. at looks like Paradise
Lost. We're not going thcrc?"
"\o-I only wanted YOU to see it. There's thousand
million dollars of gold i'll that sandpilc.'
LET it stay there. | think it's iT1ghtfully I'M
pleasant place. Why do show me all these things
when all want do is to talk She turned her horse,
and they followed slight trail between groves Of aspen
trees, a sfmmering loneliness of transparent color.
you're not giving much encouragement Jeff. You
didn't believe in my friendship in New York but you re
trying your best to keep me from proving it here
Il do believe it Didn't tell you so''
"Ycs; but you don't show it. What do you think my
enemies in New York saying of my disappearance
What will they say when they know I've come out here
to YOU? Not that at all Only think that you
Il do" he said briefly. "Why do you make such
sacrifce?'
Il never make sacrifices" she sd GLIDING him skill
I've told you because I'd rather be here than in
New York If heard that your financial enemies were
irving to ruin you, that only made me more anxious
to come. Besides, had an idea that you might be
lonely. Was right?'
"Yes; am
"Yes-was," he corrected. 1--WE been pretty busy,
of course night well day. but after New York this
place is pretty quiet
aYes,S frankly, 4 did-you and seem to get
pretty well. think always SHALL"
$50 do |. I've always wondered if I'd ever meet a
man who hadn't been spoiled. And | was just about
ready to decide that he didn't exist, when you came
along. The discovery restored my faith IN human
nature. 1t all the more remarkable too because
you were married. Most married men either SNUG
and conceited, else detected and apprehensive In
either case they're quite useless for my purpose
"What is your purpose" he asked 90,
Psychological experiment. she returned gliby:
aSome nat,ralsts study beetles; Others butterflies and
moths. | like to study men.
"Havc you got me classified"
"Yes-your re my only reward tor years OF patient
scientific endeavor The mere fact that you re married
makes difference except that as specimen your
unique. DO you wonder that don want 10 lose
your
I'm not running away very fast.
mo; but the fact remains that you're not my
property" she assented, frowning. Il can't see I've
than can see why l did. I'm quite that you
would have made admirable husband, just as m
sure that should have made you admirable wife
You don't mind my speaking plainly, do you? I'm
thinking out loud don't do it, as rule It's a kind
of luxury that doesn't dare to indulge in often. |
have 50 many weak points in which you strong and
have a few strong ones in which you weak that
we could help each other You could make something
of me, I'm sure. I'm not useless as seem to be.
Sometimes l think | have in me the material to
compsh great thngs-if only knew where to begin,
or had someone who in the habit of accomplish
ing them to show me how. That is why wanted to
help you. 1t struck as step IN the right direction.
at was" he venturcd; "ony it was too big step"
~One can't do big things by halves she insisted
"Moncy is the only thing have that you lack. 1t is
the only thing that can give. That's why want to
give it-so that YOU it ; of my sin
Certify I'd like to make you happy too she paused
and her voice sank note. "Why should you be
happy? You don't deserve it. know you don't.
haven't any patience with women who don't know a
good thing when they have it."