The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-10-15

among the clouds until they return said Nan.
 Yes" he answered cheerily, and it will be fun to keep it alone, won't 1t, with no restraints or studied pres tense. no crowd of fools or liveried dunkies near at hand"
 They sat down on the ledge of rock which formed their cave house and gazed over the marvellous pano- rama of world transformed into blue billowy mountains. flying clouds and turquoise skies. Over it all brooded the deep, solemn silence of eternity Not sound reached the ear from earth or air. Nan broke the silence.
 I have houses in town and coun- try, with every whim of body and soul apparently gratifed. But sup pose that all this madness of luxury, at which you wonder. is but the vain effort of hungry heart? The time has come in our lives when we should begin to see things as they are''
 'FI've been trying to do that for long time,'' he answered quietly.
 And haven't succeeded she added promptly "The trouble is, Jim, that life is tissue of lies. We are born in lies. grow up in lies, live and move and have our being in lies. I'rn grow, ing sick of lies.''
 Stuart looked at her flushed face with a deepening thrill of the drama of the soul it's quick changing ex. pression shadowed.
 'Well?''
 ''I've grown to feel of late she went on rapidly. ''that it's shame to dodge. The only law my husband has ever krfown is to take what he wants. I've the right to live-my own life. We must each Of US choose our world. the one of conventions and shams or the big one that's beyond the world of reality. where free men and women live and work in freedom while youth and daring lead the way" She paused and Stuart's lips parted in amazement. Never had he heard such e1oquence from the woman be- fore him.
 "Jim." she went on falteringIy. "Fm l lonely and heartsick. I'm trying to 1 tell you that I want your love; that I can't live any longer without it. Her head sank law, and sob caught | her voice.
 There; I've told you. I've no pride left. Tell me that you love me- l want to hear it thousand times. ! want it. right or wrong. Speak. Say ] something. if only to curse mel! You should have thought of this. 1 Nan, before these gray hairs began 1 to creep into my hair" 1 s'T did, JiInv" she cried, ca agerfy bend 1 ing near. God knows I fought. You 1 never knew it, but I did. For whole 1 nights wrestled with the fend that tempted me and fought for my love l It took days and weeks to strangle its 1 hold on my heart and force me to be tray myself. Oh. Jim. it's not too
 late to live. Look at me. dearest. and 1 say it's not For Gods sake. tell me 1 that. you love me still: Am I old? An | faded3
 The man had felt sure of himself l when she began. but the tenderness
 the passion. the yearning appeal of hel l voice were more than he could resist. I Look into my eyes. Nan, he cried 1 and let me see the bottom of youi l soul.
 I She lifted her dark iustrous eyes 1 devoufing him with love. 1 'sYoull find only your image there l Jim,''
 He looked at her sternly. l Before take you into my arms anf | smother you with kisses" he whiS l pered fiereely, "thefe mustn't be an!
 mistake this time. I've got to know
 that your love for me is the bisges 1 thing in your life-the only thing il your 1ife!"
 ! .I swear it.'' she gasped-
 "You've got to prove it; I'm going t put you to the test"
 Amy test.' she broke in quickly
 '1 warn you.'' he went on. with in
 creasing seriousness. the test will b
 a real one. You and l. Nan. coutt
 never be happy with the shadow 0
 Bivens' fortune over us"
 "But it's shadow can't be over us 1 It's going to be yours Hes has gIvel
 it to me-his death is only question
 of a year or two-and I'm going t
 give it all to you-'
 1 cTo Be Contiuued)