Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-10-30
CHAPTER v.
Struggle.

Struggle.
TNHE longer Stuart wrestled with
the problem OF Mans yielding
10 the lure OF Bivens' gold the
more hldeous and hopeless II
became. He began to feel that be had
been 10 blame. Why mad he allowed .
the foolish pride Of a lovers quarrel to .
keep them apar, for two weeks?
When he came downstairs he paused /
1T the door. Harriet was playing and /
singing again. and the soft tones OF her |
voice were healing. He walked gently |
20 the door Of the music room, leaned |
against the panel and watched and /
listened.
At last she stopped reluctantly, DIP |
ped her golden head sideways in a co
quettish little triumphant movement |
and in the quaintest imitation OF a
mans voice said:
II congratulate you, Miss Harriet
like that very much"
do you. professori Oh. I'm so glad
to please you.'
She shook her curls with genuine de-
light and played out the little dialogue
with vivid Imaginary touches.
Stuart laughed.
The girl lpaped 10 her feet. blushing
scarlet. rushed 10 his side and seized
his hand
did you see me, Jim? Was l very
FOOLISH"
Certainly not quite agree with
the professor You will some day sing
before kings and queens. little girl"
He left her waving and smiling TO
him from the steps. He walked with
new vigor and a deepening sense Of
gratitude to her His breath deepened,
and his step grew firm and swift. He
would fight for his own. He would go
straight TO Nan and laugh at this an
nouncement lie would compel her to
hear him. Il was an absurd hour TO
call. but an the better
Mrs Prmrose's greeting was so cor
dial. so genuinely friendly, that for
moment he was puzzled. Could It be
possible he had misjudged her?
She pressed his hand warmly and
llngeriugly.
"Oh. Jim. I'm so glad you've come.
Why have you stayed away so longI
IT was 80 foolish Of you. You gave up
without a struggle I'm shocked be
yond measure NJ Nan. ! told her that
his millions would never bring happi.
ness unless her heart went with them
that her love for you was a thing
she couldn't lay aside as a cloak she
had worn. told Nan the day she
promised to marry Mr.. Bivens that you
were worth dozen such men, no mat
ter how many millions he had. You
have always been my choice-yOu
know that"
Stuart could control himself no long
CT. He rose and faced Mrs. Primrose
with u look which brought her elo-
quence TO an abrupt end
Mrs Primrose, for once in my life
] am going TO tell you the truth. You
have always been my bitterest foe.
You brought Nan TO New York to get
her away from me"
The mothers eyes blAzed with hon
est wrath.
Yes, l did; and I'm glad / did It
you ungrateful wretch
And you have always been busy
poisoning her mind against me and
corrupung her Imagination with
dreams Of a life OF luxury"
And. thank God, I've succeeded at
last in bringing her to her senses IN
time to save her from throwing herself
away on you. Jim STUART
As Mrs. Primrose left Nan quietly en-.
tered the room. Her face was set for
battle in a proud defiant smile. She
was totally unprepared for the way in
which Stuart met her.
With n quick step he was at her side
seized both her hands In a grip OF fierce
Tenderness and In low tones Of vibrant
passion said.
This thing don't 90 with me, Nan
i won't accept H. I'm going to fight
fight for my own-for you are mine
mine by every law Of God and man
and you are worth lighting for"
The hard smile Of defiance melted
from the beautiful face. and flush OF
tenderness slowly overspresd her
cheeks II was sweet TO be loved Ike
that by strong. masterful man. She
started 10 speak. and he raised hi;
hand.
Il know. dear. you said our engage
ment was broken | don't believe yoJ
mean H. couldn't The news OF
your engagement to Bivens came as q
bolt out Of the blue sky. refuse &c
accept such an act as final You did Il
out q pique You don't mean It. You
can't mean q, I told you the other
day I had surprise for you. have
It's worth a day You promised m,
one IN the country before our foolish
AN
Gomez
She heSita.ed a moment and said:
~Np~"
Within an hour they bad reached tn,
hills overlooking Gravesend bay. anC
The magnificent sweep ~ water below
The Narrows, Nan had scarcely spokel
% Tie way answering Stuart's cues