The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1911-12-28

cynical. selfish. loveless woman. |
wonder why | tell you thisT" She
leaned forward abruptly. What are
we going to do about it?"
That Is what l came to find out"
mo; you came to tell me what !
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 toe bad we have this
dislike to contend with. Your natural
state is fighting. and l suppose you
don't mind one fight more. But
don't want to fight for my happiness
or possible happiness. especially when
l run the risk OF losing 1t altogether.
We both run that risk. Don't you
think"-there was the faintest twinkle
in her eyes-"don't you think 1t would
be wise. don't you think it would be
good politics. to ignore our dislike and
share the spoils?"
mo. | think | should have done
better to let you die in the mills"
II don't understand why
For an instant the luxurious. firelit
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 Il strong hand seiz-
ed her, and she stood before q hot eyed
young giant.
rs 1t possible? Yes. you are the man
who saved me in the mills. 1t Is hard
to realize. He was an uucouth. un
grammatical young %ruffian, as | re
member. while you-you are an educat-
ed She hesitated.
AN educated ruffian." he concluded
dryly.
She regarded him With a new respect,
a respect which Bob. remembering the
girl who had nouted him as Of a lower
order Of creation. resented.
I'm no more than | was then. !
have more. but ! am no more"
A detail Of the scene in the mills re-
Cured to her. "Ah! | remember that
l forgot to thank you for saving my
life. That was very u%ngrateful. ]
suppose | should do so now. 1t really
was very ROOu OF you.
You needn't thank ME. Besides"
he added grimly. ut was unintentional.
l assur you-purely an impulse"
She laughed uncertainty. But sure
ly you can't expect me to remain at
swords points with the man who
saved my lifeT"
His face hardened. Then keep out
of my way"
you mean it," she said in a curious
~ regretfu! tone. THAT ia part Of
you, remember you said the same
to me that night In the mills. Keep
out of my way 1t explains your life,
doesn't 1t? 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 l
were to send him away. would you
take it as a mark Of gratitude for saw
ihS IL lllC as u lawn W yO0.
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
prideful belief in his self suficiency.
NO! You owe re nothing. and !
want nc favors from you"
They both rose, Mrs. Gilbert facing
him with a laugh in her eyes.
80 be It," she said pleasantly. Il
must accept your hostility. You pay
me a fine compliment. Mr.. McAdoo.
The truth is you're jealous-jealous as
a schoolgirl. Mr.. McAdoo. And afraid
of me. can be a very dangerous
enemy-if | choose. If should choose
to accept your challenge and to take
away from you your dearest posses
%sion-your happiness, Mr.. McAdoo-
you would be helpless to prevent it,
You have ne weapons to fight me.
And you know it. Else why are you
here today?" She laughed
II wish to God" he cried bitterly. Il
had let you die in the mills"
Smiling, she watched him turn M
leave her. Then she sat down before
the fire. looking into its flames with
amused eyes The CLEAN of amuse-
ment faded into r~eflectiveness. refec-
tiveness into usefulness. She sighed.