Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1912-10-23
CHAPTER v,
Struggle.

Struggle.
THE longer Stuart wrestled with
the problem of Mans yielding
to the lure Of Bivens' gold the
more hideous and hopeless 1t
became. He began to feel that he had
been to blame. Why had he allowed
the foolish pride of lovers quarrel to
keep them apart for two weeks?
When he came downstairs he paused
at the door. Harriet was playing and
singing again, and the soft tones of her
voice were healing. He walked gently
to the door Of the music room. leaned
against the panel and watched and
listened.
| At last she stopped reluctantly, tip
ped her golden head sideways in CO.
quettish little triumphant movement
and in the quaintest imitation of a
mans voice said:
II congratulate you, Miss Harriet-l
like that very much!
do you, professor? Oh, I'm so glad
to please your
She shook her curls with genuine de-
light and played out the little dialogue
with vivid imaginary touches.
Stuart laughed.
| The girl leaped to her feet. blushing
scarlet. rushed to his side and seized
his hand
Ibid you see me, Jim7 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 deepening sense of
gratitude to her. His breath deepened,
and his step grew firm and swift He
would fight for his own. He would 20
straight to Nan and laugh at this an
nouncement He would compel her to
hear him. 1t was an absurd hour to
call. but all the better
Mrs. Primrose's greeting was so cor
dial, so genuinely friendly. that for a
moment he was puzzled Could it be
possible he had misjudged her?
She pressed his hand warmly and
ungeringly.
"Oh, Jim, I'm so glad you've come.
Why have you stayed away so long:
1t was so foolish of you. You gave up
without a struggle. I'm shocked be
| yond measure at Nan. told her that
his millions would never bring happi
ness unless her heart went with them
that her love for you was thing
she couldn't lay aside as cloak she
had worm. l 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
er. He rose and faced Mrs. Primrose
With a look which brought her eIo
| 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 I did it.
you ungrateful wretch!'
And you have always been busy
poisoning her mind against me and
corrupting 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 quick step he was at her side.
seized both her hands in grip Of fierce
tenderness and in low tones Of vibrant
passion said: {. - -
''This thing don't 60 with me, Nan.
II won't accept 1t. I'm going to light
fight for my own-for you are mine
mine by every law Of God and man,
and you are worth fighting for!''
The hard smile Of defiance melted
Il AAO" tuc Ucd VI AdSSs anu q uuSu "
tenderness slowly overspread her
cheeks. It was sweet to be loved like
that by strong. masterful man. She
started to speak, and he raised bis
/ hand: ~. -7S :. z..-... L. =. ,@ss
81 know, dear, you said our engage.
i ment was broken. don't believe you
mean 1t. couldn't The news Of
]your engagement to Bivens came as 8
! bolt out Of the blue sky. l refuse t.
i accept such an act as final You did !,
j ont OF pique You don't mean It. You
S. eAnst mean I'll = told Won the Other