The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1912-04-16

scarcely expect TO do so. My
work then vii! DO to join with my com
rades in an effort to rebuild the shat
tered fortunes of Virginia. When the
lines OF lives diverge so widely as
ours must, the chances are indeed few
that they ever meet again"
But surely you can remain here IN
til we loove?" she questioned. evident
ly striving not to reveal the depth
Of interest she felt in the decision. 1T
will not be until tomorrow that all dc
tails are arranged so as to permit or
our departure. ! had supposed you
would certainly be with Us until then"
Mrs. BreHnan!" I exclaimed al
most passionately, edo not tempt me!
Your wish is temptation most diff
cult to resist"
why resist. then?"
She did not look at me, but stood
twisting . handkerchief neryously
through her fingers. The abrupt ques-
tion startled me almost into full con-
fession, but fortunately my eyes
CHANGED TO fall upon her weddingrirg.
and instantly I crushed the mad words
back into my throat
Because II is right" l replied slow
", feeling each sentence as a death
blow. For me to remain can mean
only one thing. For that am ready
enough, If l thought you desired It, but
] dare not choose such course my
self"
You speak in riddles What is tho
one thing?"
"a personal meeting with Major
Brennan"
The high color deserted her cheeks.
and her eyes met mine in sudden IN
quiry. "Oh, no, no." she exclaimed
with energy. you and Frank must
never meet in that way. You mean
a duel?"
l bowed gravely. Il was permitted
to aid IL defense Of this house only
by pledging myself TO Major Brennan
afterwards"
But why need it beat least now
that you have stood together as COM
rades?'
81 fear" I said quietly, that fact
will not count for much We both
fought inspired by your presence"
Mine I hardly knew how to in
terpret her tone.
Certainly; you cannot be ignorant
that Major Brennan's dislike is based
upon your friendship for me-"
But there is no reason" she STAN
mered. He has no cause"
His reason l must leave him to ex-
plain L interrupted, TO relieve her evil
dent embarrassment. His words. how
ever, were extremely explicit; and TO
ignore them by departure is TO i'm
peril my own reputation in both arm.
les. l would do so for no one else in
the world but you
How can I ever thank your" she
asked gravely. Captain Wayne. you
make me trust you utterly. and place
me constantly In your debt"
Then you realize that l am right ?"
Yes slowly but making no eff
fort to release her hands. yet is no
other escape possible?"
None within my knowledge"
And you must go7"
Il must countless you bid me
stay"
oh, | cannot; / cannot at such a
cost she cried, and could feel her
body tremble with the intensity of her
emotion. But, Captain Wayne. our
friendship surely need not be severed
now for ever? I cannot bear to think
that it should be. / ain no cold. heart
less Migrate, and shall never forget
what You have done to serve me. I
value every sacrifice you have made
on my behalf. Let us indeed Part
now if, as you say, it must be so;
yet surely there are happier days in
store for both OF us-days when The
men OF this nation viii not wear differ
cnt uniforms and deem it manly to
fight and kin each other"
THE great struggle will certainly
cease, possibly within q very few
weeks" I answered, greatly moved by
her earnestness, but fear the men
engaged in it will remain much The
same in their natures however they
may dress. Can only say this: Were
the path clear, ] would surely find you.
no matter where you were hidden"
How terrible IL is that a woman
must ever choose between such evils"
she said almost bitterly "The heart
says one thing ana duty another all
through life fl seems TO me. have so
much Of suffering I'm these last few
months, so much Of hearlces cruelty.
that / cannot bear to be the cause on
any more You and Major Brennan
must not meet: but Captain Wayne. I
win not believe that we are to part
thus forever"
DO you mean that I am to seek you
when the war clOses2"
There viii be no time when shall
not most gladly welcome you"
Your homer / asked. wondering
still n she could mean an that her
wards implied OF have never known
where you resided in thc north"
'Stonineton Conn" She smiled III
mo through the tears yet cling
ing TO her long lashcs you may
never come of course. $40. shall
always feel now Ma. perhaps you I.
and that is not like final 600 by.
is it2"
bowed above tho hands held.
and pressed my lir u0ou thom FOR
the moment 7 dura not speak and
.hen-a voice suddenly sounded in the
hall below
~ am greatly obliged to you. Miss
Minor. she is probably lying down.
viii run up and call her"