The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1912-02-10
BY HENRY RUSSELL Mill


The vine wreathed veranda hid them
from the world. She went to chair.
fell into it and buried her face in her
hands. Harsh. dry scbs shook her,
Bob. was helpless to comfort her
Awkwardly, as one unused to caress.
he put out his hand aud let it rest
upon her hair. The unaccustomed
touch sent fire racing through his
veins.
"Eleanorv he murmured hoarsely.
She caught his big hand and pressed
1t to her cheek. II 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.
"Dearw 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
I'M crushing me-"
"But you weren't guilty. Katherine
has told me-"
II wasn't directly responsible for
the crime that was done. But 1 don't
hide behind that. 1t was done for me,
and accepted the benefit. But my pec-
pie didn't know it. 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 few weeks am to be nominated
for governor. can be elected. think.
Great power has been placed in my
hands. am under the most sacred
obligations to the people of this state.
to John Dunmeade. to him who is
dead. can do much. These two
years l have tried to atone. l have
tried to kill the ugly self that ruled
me. l thought | had succeeded. And
now find l have failed. l am ready
at your word to forget everything but
myself, but you: We must start a
new life together. The wealth that
Murchel has left. nae 4 will give to
Dunmeade. An the&knowledge 1 have
gained. all the power 1 have won, all
the power that has been given to me
for a purpose not. my, own. must be
thrown aside. All Murchel's work
will have gone for nothing. John
Dunmeade, left alone, will be beaten.
The people who have trusted me will
be helpless. | must give these things
up 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 l will give up these
things for you: and T. will never re-
proach you. never blame: you"
He paused quest1oningly. While he
was speaking. her: eyes had not left
his. She was:very white: :.
my answer isl love your
"And that ~means-no?"
"And that means-nov'
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
to be strong, don't we?' she said soft
~. He gave no answer
II am afraid" she went on later
In dreamy, detached phrases-"I an
afraid to hope: 1 have always fell
that he would return and thought thai
with his coming everything would be
right. Now dare not hope. All al
once it is clear. All, can't bear tt
think Of that. We are not our own.'
Suddenly he caught her hands to hi:
Ups and covered them with rough
passionate KISSES She let him.
1--WE are not our own. And it is
something, oh, everything, to know
that we have had this hour, with it,