El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-10-11

rom y e8L6EQags
, pect You're not a slave to conscience,
and I-wen. Pm afraid III never let
( conscience stand between me and hap
piness. You have few friends. I've
had plenty to admire me because I'm
not bad to look at and can turn a wit
/ ty phrase occasionally. But none has
ever cared for me because none saw
in me those womanly qualities which
are so much finer than beauty OF wit
Paul Remington seems to Ill both our
wants. He is your one friend He
cares for me because he thinks I pos
Bess qualities 1 don't possess. but
which he-he makes we want to ac-
quire. I'm not In love with him, but
I'd Ike TO be. He seems my only
hope Of escape from becoming the
most pitiabIe Of creatures lonely,
cynical. selfish, loYeless woman. I
wonder why I tel you this?" She
leaned forward abruptly. what are
we going TO do about it?'
''That is what came to find out"
''lJo; you came TO tell me what I
must do. You put the issue squarely.
One Of us must retire IN the others
favor. That amounts to a challenge,
doesn't It? It's too bad we have this
dislike to contend with. Your natural
state IS fighting. and I suppose you
don't mind one fight more. But
don't want to fight for my happiness
or possible happiness. especially when
I run the risk Of losing it altogether.
We both run that risk. Don't you
think'-there was the faintest twinkle
IN her eyes-"don't you think it would
be wise, don't you think it WoUla be
good politics, to ignore our dislike and
share the spOils?"
no. I think I should have done
better to let you die in the mills"
Il don't understand Why
For an instant the luxurious, 1relit
library faded away from her sight
She stood amid the CRIME and roar Of
the mills She felt herself caught in
an iron grasp which dragged her to-
ward death. Then a strong hand seiz-
ed her, and she stood before a hot eyed
young giant
as it possible? Yes, you are the man
who saved me in the mills. It is hard
to realize. He was an uncouth. IN
grammatical young ruf6an, as re-
member, while you-you are an edueat-
ed''- She hesitated.
"An educated runan.' he concluded
dryly.
She regarded him with a new respect /
a respect which Bob, remembering the
girl who had houted him as Of q lower
order Of creation. resented
I'm no more than I was then.
have more, but am no more"
A detail Of the scene in the mills re-
CURED to her. "Ahl I remember that
I forgot to thank you for saving my
life That was very ungratefuL I
suppose I should do so now. 1t really
was very good Of you"
you needn't thank me. Besides"
he added grimly, 1T was unintentional,
I assure you-purely an impulse"
She laughed uncertainty. But sure
" you can't expect me to remain at
swords points with the man who
saved my lifeY'
His face hardened 'eThen keep out
Of my way"
HYou mean it, she said in a curious !
" regretful tone. "That is part Of /
you. I remember you said the same /
to me that night in the mills Keep /
out Of my way It explains your life, |
doesn't it? You have gone steadily, !
relentlessly forward, brushing aside |
every one who stood in your way. |
And now that seem to interfere with !
your plans you are quite capable Of /
sweeping me aside, or Mr.. Remington /
either, without thought Of what it [
means to US. You are relentless! Sup |
pose" she asked slowly, suppose I !
were to send him away, would you !
take it as a mark Of gratitude for saw
ing my life as a favor to your"
Bob hesitated. After all, it was the /
easiest solution, and sometimes con
cession is victory. And she was very
beautiful, very alluring, so far out Of
his reach. With an effort he recalled
his resentment against her and the old
pEideful belief in his self sufciency.
NO! You owe me nothing, and
want no faVors from you"
They both rose, Mrs. Gilbert facing
him with a laugh in her eyes.
so be It," she said pleasantly. Il
must accept your hostility. You pay
ne q 6ne commitment Mr.. McAdoo.