The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-10-10
.(Continued.)


WIN not tempt me. will you? You
arc stronger than I; you mustn't let
me be weak Do you think don't
known How often during the last
two years I have prayed that you
might be weak enough to come to me
and that might be weak enough to
yield! But we must not. 1t would be
. eowardly happiness. 1t wouldn't be
elean. Until he is found and we know
he IL reclaimed we could never be
really happy: there would always be
4 stain on our love. We know what
seldShness brings. You belong to the
people Of this state. Our false happi-
mes would cripple you. because you
would always have the knowledge
that you hadn't been true to yourself.
And II you aren't true to yourself
how can you be true to your trust
You won't tempt me. will you?" she
pleaded. her voice growing more and
moro unsteady. Because II am so
happy in Just being near you When
I am with you something keeps pull
Ing. pulling me to you. am almost
past the resisting point. Don't tempt
M. yet want you to tempt me-you
must be strong fol, both Of us.
eAnd remember" she went on. try
ing to be strong-'remember that It is
harder tor me than for you. Tomor-
roM, after the funeral. go back to
ny little work. which. after all, is
only 4 scanty refuge. while you go
On. 70 your great task that often will
stut me out of your mind and heart.
Il Vim always be that-your work all
ways nrst. always second"
Nor be said roughly. at win new
- b that You are first-you always
shall be-"
~Ahi I wanted you to say that But
you mustn't And 1t mustn't be true.
int Il the selfish part of my love I
must always fight to keep down even
H-even II we must not always be
apdet You mustn't let me be selfish.
r. you place me first, If you don't sac
rt1loe me when it is right. You can't be
true to yourself. you won't be my man
You are 70 strong. You mustn't come
. weakness through me-
let you say you are not goodp' he
cried
TIE vine wreathed veranda hid them
from the world. She went to chair,
fell into It and buried her face in her
hands. Harsh. dry sobs shook her.
Bob was helpless to comfort her.
AwkWartly, as one unused to caress.
he put out his hand and let It rest
upon her hair. The unaccustomed
touch sent fre racing through his
veins.
"Nleanorw he murmured hoarse1y.
shs caught his big hand and pressed
Il 10 her cheek. 81 am not good.
am only weak and shameless. You
must be stronger take me-"
He sat down beside her and took
both her hands in his firm, strong
clasp.
~Dearr How strangely the word
dwelt upon his lips! Dear, look at
me. Two years ago found myself.
The people Of my city trusted me
when they would have been justified
in crushing me-"
sBut you weren't guilty. Katherine
has told me-"
'T wasn't directly responsible for
the crime that was done. But don't
hide behind that. It was done for me,
and accepted the benefit. But my peo-
pie didn't know 1t. Nevertheless they
trusted me. They have helped me to
grow stronger at home and over the
state. The good people here-they
have trusted me and strengthened me.
In a few weeks am to be nominated
for governor. can be elected. think.
Great power has been placed in my
hands. l am under the most sacred
obligations to the people of this state,
10 John Dunmeade. to him who Is
dead. can do much. These two
years I have tried to atone. l have
tried to kill the ugly self that ruled
me- / thought had succeeded. And
now find I have failed. / am ready
at your word to forget everything but
myself. but you. We must start a
new life together. The wealth that
Murcheil has left me I will give to
Dunmeade. All the knowledge have
gained. all the power 1 have won. all
the power that has been given to me
for = purpose not my own. must be
thrown aside. All MurcheIrs work
will have gone for nothing John
Dunmeade. left alone. will be beaten.
The people who have trusted me will
be helpless I must give these things
MP because, having been weak once.
! dare not face the responsibility OF
weakness In power. 1t would be easy.
Every nerve in me aches to do it. If
you say the word I will give up these
things for you. and l will never re-
preach you. never blame you
He paused questtoningly. While he
vas speaking her eyes had not left
~ Aha was very white.
Ky answer isl love you"
~And that means-noY
"And that means-nOw
Their eyes fell away. She leaned
back In her chair and looked out into
space. Half unconsciouSly she freed
one. hand from his clasp and with it
caressed the backs of his hands. he
watched the gesture sadly.
After awhile. I'VE need each other
10 be strong. don't we?" she said soft
". He gave no answer.
az am afraid." she went on later
b dreamy. detached phrases-'T am
afraid to hope. have always felt
that he would return and thought that