The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1912-03-28

sie"e N""ei"eS' an he hat watching
the sleeping girl.
After what seemed an intermlnable
time she looked up at him ike drow.
sy child.
Nearly there 2" she asked.
He leaned forward tensely.
Yes" he answered. I'VE are desper.
ately near your journeys end, and
and | can't stand It any longer. I've
simply got 10 tell yon right here and
now how much I love you. We haven't
known each other long. but my love
for you isn't new It's as old-as old
as the beginning OF the world. and 1
do not ask for a return-oh, not vet,
BY and by. perhaps. when some OF nv
rough edges are rubbed of and when
have grown little more like other
people. then win dare to ask you
most humbly. But now / want YOU to
know that I'm loving you all the time
wherever you may be, and IL you think
that there might be glorious posi-.
bility-some time-that you would be
my wife"-the big westerners voice
trembled-"oh, my dear" he whisper.
ed 81 would try so hard to be worthy
The girl stood up before him. Two
scarlet spots burned In her cheeks, and
her eyes We're filled with tears. "You
must not talk like that TO me-" she said
severely: lit Is $3.50 absurd. Why.
you do not even know my name. We
are going into the station now. aud
my father will be there to meet me. 80
l will tell IL TO you" She laughed un.
steadily. IL am Henry Hobbs" she
said-"Henry Hobbs, do you under
stand, writer of that-that awful rot?
When | spoke to you this morning it
was only because / was so anxious TO
see the Illustration OF my story
had been too hurried TO stop and buy
copy OF the magazine. Then when
you spoke OF my story so discouraging-
by l wanted to prove to myself that
such an occurrence might actually hap
pen. So | have been leading you on,
deliberately trying all day long to per.
suade you to make love to me. You
see now what horrible. despicable
creature / am! But that Is not all. l
made you talk OF western life because
l am writing western story and
needed material. You gave me great
deal. oh. a very great deal''-she caught
her breath sharply-"and now l reckon
you will not think we are much finer
down here than you. Mr.. Boynton, with
all our southern ways"
The westerner arose and carefully
collected her bundles.
you have been welcome to any IN
formation l could give" he said slow.
ly, land / deserved punishment for
what foolishly said about your story.
l;ut IL 1t Is any satisfaction to you
YOU may know positively that the sto-
ry is entirely within bounds of reason.
for II You had cared for me today as
l do care for you this would have
been--a parallel case"
The girl brushed her hand hastily
rcross her eyes. An old gentleman
was coming down the aisle:
why, Sylvia, my DEAR" he cried,
your train has been delayed. We
lave been most anxious" He turned
questioningly TO Boynton.
This, father" the girl said. sis Mr..
Robert Boynton from the far west.
He has been very kind" She held out
her hand to say goodby; but. taking
the proffered hand, the westerner help
ed her down the steps.
~ am staying over at the Grand ho-
tel until late tomorrow night" he ex-
planned.
And as the automobile which bore
her homeward turned corner the
girl, looking back with paDg. saw
him still standing motiOnless, a great
and strange lonely figure. Even the
press Of business upon the following
day could not Danish from his mem
DRY the girls witching, haunting face.
and Boynton returned to his hotel at
evening, weary and depressed.
"A letter for you. sir" said the clerk
ut the desk, and Boynton tore open the
envelope with a puzzled frown.
II would like to see you again to
ask forgiveness" he read. please,
will you call tonight?"
The note was signed simply "Sylvia
Reynolds" but In parenthesis was add
ed the well known name of Henry
Hobbs. A great light overspread the
westerner's face:
"Will you tell me the quickest way
to Magnolia avenuef' he asked of the
clerk at the desk. 1t was she herself
who opened the door, greeting him
with outstretched welcoming hands. so
lovely in her clinging pink gown that
Boynton stood abashed before the be-
wildering vision.
you were good to let me come" he
said ut last, wonderfully good"
The girl came nearer. do you know
why i sent for your she asked hesi-
tatingly. ut was not to ask forgive
ness, because-because you will have
nothing to forgive"
Something In the shy upward glance
or her dark eyes caused great hope
to spring within him.
You mean he asked tensely. She
laughed. 1t was a tremulous little
laugh. -
Il have been thinking about my
story" she said, 'and-and wanted
to tell you that this is parallel case
She took hasty refuge behind a tall
Il.