The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1912-03-28
Z slight pailor tnaI was very D.cv.1,-

-
Ing. ..
He went out and, boarding a car.
rode downtown to his favorite grill
room. where he sat for more than an
hour dawdling languidly over his
breakfast. For another hour he tramp
cd the streets Hstlessly. steering an
aimless course through the bustling
crowds. faint, not unpleasant, mel
ancholy fell upon him. such as some
times comes to one who behUldS an
autumn sunset or the unhappy denoue-
ment of a play. He fingered luXu
riOusly in the mood, tasting it's flavor.
His course, without conscious inten-
ton, led him to the First National
bank building. Nor was he conscious
of any exercise of will one way or the
other as he entered the elevator and
was whisked to Sangers offices. San
ger greeted him cordially. with no out
ward sign of exultation. Paul's only
sensations We're surprise that it was
80 easy and matter Of fact. and some
what Of a disappointment that 1t was
so fiat and tasteless. this treachery
upon which he had broOded so fore
bodingy. He read the formal state
ment twice before signing. He could
not realize that it meant the end Of
six years friendship. the beginning Of
q new scheme of existence for him.
Only when the notary administered
the oath did he feel Qualm. A slight
shiver passed over him. Then he
laughed uncertainty. He drew deep
breath Of relief-he thought-that it
was over The melancholy returned.
His next stop was at telephone
booth. where he called up the Sanger
home In response to mis- inquiries
Eleanors maid informed him that
madam had siyni6ed her intention Of
going to a certain department store to
do some shopping.
Paul hung up the receiver and steer
ed straight course for the department
store designated With sigh Of re-
lief he eSpicd the big hooded automO-
bile standing before the entrance to
the store. The chauffeur was fussily
examining the machine. Paul stopped
} and abstractedly watched him. The
latter touched his hat, Importantly
continuing his labors, which seemed
to be supcrfuous. Paul sat in the ma
chine and waited. smoking dreamily.
An hour later he heard surprised
"What are you doing here?'
He turned quickly. his eyes lighting
up warmly "Waiting for you"
She laughed Il was so vain as to
guess that. Are you going somewhere?
Perhaps we can set you down thereT'
"Yes." he said with proprietary
a1r; "I'm going to luncheon. and you
are coming with me-"
"Is that an invitation? Then l &C
eept. I'll let you into a secret. | have
been wretchedly lonely all morning.
I came shopping just to escape It.
And l was dread ding the prospect of an
afternoon alone in that big empty
house"
'"Then I'm twice glad l waited"
, BE opened the door. and they both
p entered the car. James cranked and
deity lodged through the crowded
thoroughfares toward the restaurant
Paul had chosen.
j.. He turned drcamily to her.
| "You shouldn't be lonely" he said in
the hushed tone one would use at a
deathbed "since you have for COM
pany-you."
t II find myself sorry company some
tines" she answered. with an attempt
!. ut brightness.
His beautiful woman's mouth curv-
ed in a dreamy smile. 1T is company
worth any sacrifice to win
! When the car came to stop before
t the restaurant they alighted and went
in. Paul made only pretense of eat
ing.
you're eating hardly anything" she
said. Aren't you well:"
= For answer he pointed to her own
plate hardly touched.
81 had very late breakfast" she
explained.
$50 had l. Hush" he almost whis-
pered. LET us not talk"
With half contemptuous shrug of
her shoulders she gave over the at
tempt to disturb him. She wondered
. how she could ever have deceived her
, self into the belief that she could love
or that she wanted to love him.
ut was pity only" she thought.
always pity"
; Paul stirred uneasily, lowering his
! eyes to meet hers. He looked at her
, long and steadily.
Eleanor, Eleanor.' he cried. softly
pleading 1T isn't true"'
"What isn't true?" she asked though
0he knew the answer.
'That you will never love mef be
0Ainpagod tremulously.