Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-09-17

the "Watch Us Grow" sign, the symbol OF jeff am
to the window that faced the mountains. If could
only believe you-if only COULD. she said and then.
turning suddenly. why did you try to make Jeff fall
in love with you?'
Rita shrugged "Simpy becanse-because it
impossible. I'm so tired of doing easy things! I've
always done everything wanted to. and it bored me-
| owe Your husband debt thought all men were the
same DO YOU really link there any more like eff
Camilla watched her narrowly, probing slrewdly be.
low the surface for traces OF the VEN OF feeling she had
little but that little seemed to satisfy her, for after
pause she twisted the window cord and then UNFINISHED
it again then came forward slowly, took Rita by both
hands, and looked deep into her eyes.
"Whv did you come out here!
1t was no time for equivocaton: Camila.s eyes
burned steadly-oh steadily! But Rita did not
finch a thought left lonely. thought he needed
someone and so came in the Bents private car as
far as Denver. l left them there and came on alone
l wanted to help him; m trying to help HIM still
with my sympathy, my money, and-and such IN
fucnce as can use to make his wife realize her duty
to him and her duty to herself
1t was an explanation that somehow did not seem to
explain and vet curously enough, it satisfied Camilla
If it was not the whole truth, there enough OF IT
that was nothing but the truth. She felt that it would
not have been fair to ask for more.
D TIA was not slow to follow up this advantage She
~ gave quick sigh, then took Camilla by both tn
shoulders. "You mustn't go away to Kansas, tell
YOU! You've never loved anybody but Jeff. Cortland
knows it. and know it. I've known it all the time
woman has way of learning these things. 1t you
leave him now, there's telling what may happen
He needs YOU. He can't get on without YOU They re
irving to crush the life out of him in this souess war
for the smclter, and they may succeed He's pushed
to the limit of his resourcefulness and his endurance
Flesh and blood can't stand that strain long He needs
all his friends now and every help moral and physical
that they can give him. There's else who can
take your place one to stand at his SIDE ana
take the bad with the good. You've had your half OF
his success: YOU must take your half OF his failure
You're his wife, Camilla! Do you understand that
His wife,
o., H. ~ md tool, her.,
awares She bent her head to hide it. and then gave
way and fell on the bed in passion OF tears
Rita watched her for moment with smile; Tor she
knew that the tears of happiness then went
over and put her arms around Camilla S shoulders,
murmuring gently, "Youre not to blame, Camilla,
not altogether and it's late to begin again He
needs YOU now us he has needed you before. 1t
your opportunity. l hope you see it."
Il do, l dol" came family from the coverlid
"You must him at once. Do you understand
Shall send for him.?
1Yes soonr Camilla sat up and smiled through her
tears drew Rita down alongside of her, put her arm
around her. and kissed her on the cheek ." understand
you I'm sorry-for many things. want to know
you better, Dear May II"
"Yes," said Rita calmly, IF you can. Perhaps then
you might explain me to myself But m gong TO
New York again soon-something tells me you are to
stay here ~
a will stay here now,' said Camilla proudly, If
Jeff wants me to- Are you sure-he-"
Rita held her off arms length quzzraly tantallz-
ing her purposely. NO, Silly. He loves of course
that's why I'm presenting him to YOU. hen she leaned
forward, kissed her the cheek, and rose quickly.
cts pretty late Unjust catch the eleven o'clock train
1 have lot to do. I'm going into my own room
THERE was a knock at the outer door, Camilla
answered it. and received a note from the clerk
"From Mr.. Wray's office. There's answer"
She opened it hrirredy while Rita watched
DEAR CAMnLA-Im leaving suddenly by the early
train for Denver business which means
either life death For the love of God don't leave
now! Wait until I'm the Brown Palace Hotel.
and will write you from there JEFF.
She read through the hurried scraw1 twice, and then
silently handed it to her companion.
@You must follow Camilla, at once, with mel said
Mrs. Cheyne.