The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-10-24


"Perhaps Ia better explain. too" he
said.
The girl put out a deprecating hand
I'm Thelma Towne," she said. "My
uncle is Cyrus Towne-you rememb Der
his failure-the papers told about it,
The old man was asleep in his big
chair. Douglass, studying the wrinkled
face, saw a likeness to the counter
ance that had graced the first page of
the dailies during a recent sensational!
trial.
And so I'm as poor as the proverb-
ial church mouse" the girl went on
lightly. IF il wasn't for the fear that
we'd have to give up the old house I'd
be glad. Ihate the stiffness and in
sincerity of society"
Douglass stood up like a man ready
to receive sentence. Il must tell you
my name" he said. 81 am John
Douglass"
She gasped. "The man who ruined
my uncle"
"The world said that" said Douglass
firmly. "Do you believe it?"
Please" she begged, and glanced at
the sleeping man. Then she flushed
and giowed. ION, you were right" she
said 1T was glorious, your fight for
the people against all of the fnanciers
but uncle wasn't to blame. He was
simply the tool Of others-that's why
I'm SO sorry for him"
m sorry, too" said Douglass, gent
~. Then you don't hate me?"
NO, oh, no-but how did it happen
that you were out therein the
porch?"
You thought 1 was down on nv
luck?' Douglass questioned. 1T WASH t
that but l had to be out OF reach of
lntervlewers. Since the trial they have
bothered me until l was desperate.
This morning 1 resolved to throw them
on l left the train at way station,
and struck out for a walk, and l made
up my mind I'd sleep on the rocks
rather than go back to a night of cues
uCns and probing. Therem be time
enough for that tomorrow"
Don't go back tomorrow" the girl
pleaded. Il want you to talk to uncle.
to make him see it as you see it. Il
will make him less bitter-he's a darl-
ing, only he's so obstinate"
Il had never met him." Douglass ex-
plalued. 1t was his partner who re-
ceived the sentence. l was the at
torney for the other side, you know -
Yes" She was gazing thoughtfully
INTO the fire. when your face flashed
out of the darkness, wondered where
l had seen 1t, but now I remember"
For q week Douglass stayed in the
old house, guest Of Cyrus Towne.
who listened eagerly while the du-
phclty of his former partner was re-
vealed to him.
That fine fellow" he said to his
niece one morning when she brought
him his cup OF coffee"
Yes"
He looked at her sharply. "What
does the yes mean?" he demanded
DO you really like him?"
She blushed. Drink your coffee.
dear" she begged.
But he caught her hand in his. do
you love him?"
She stood, palpitating, before him.
How can l tell?" she whispered. "He
mas said no word Of love to me-"
Humph-he's fool" said the old
man.
AS the girl went slowly down the
STAIRS she met Douglass coming M
Ihere's big storm blowing out
sac he said, but the rain has stop
pea. lone with me on the rocks"
Stll tbrobbing from the searching
questlons of the old man, she refused.
II must stay with uncle"
something in her tone made him
look at her sharply. "Thelma." he
cried suddenly. come with me on the
rocks" vi
She held out against the strength Of
his will. NO, no." -
He seized a big warm cloak from
the rack. and suddenly he wrapped her
IN II. Come with me, sweetheart" he
whispered, holding her close, Ito the
end of the world"
Her face against the darkness Of his
coat was white as a pearl. all the
wealth OF her hair was against his
love you"
He bent his head. Beloved" ne
whispered and there was a long mo-
ment of silence.
Then they went out together into the
storm.