The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1912-02-15


l can see her with your eyes, big boy.
Tell me what she knows: and how does
she talk?"
In the dusk he could not see the ex-
preston on her face. He knew that
she listened intently. leaning above
him. He was not conscious that he
praised Madeleine Presson's gifts Of
mind or person. But as he had found
her. SO he portrayed her to the isolated
girl of the north country, describing
her attainments. her culture, her
breadth Of view, her grasp of the ques-
tions Of the day, her ability to under
stand the big matters In which men
are interested.
She made no comment as he talked.
She did not interrupt him when he
had finished with Madeleine Presson
and went on to relate how he had
been forced into the forefront Of the
states political situation.
$50, then, you have become a great
man." she faltered. II remember l was
selfish. did not want you to go away"
mo, l am not great man, little
Clare" he protested laushingly. "Im
only little chap that great man Is
using. And you were not selfish. 1t
was you that first put the thought into
my mind that l ought to use my op-
portunities."
II lied to you'll" she cried so passion
ately that he lcaped to his feet and
stared down on her. II wanted you
to say you wouldn't go, but l didn't
want you to look back ever and blame
me for my selfshness. You'll hate me
now. But l have to be truthful with
you" Her voice broke.
"Thc world has not won me away
from my friends. dear. You must
know me too well for that suspicion to
shame me-"
She crouched on the step before him.
She seemed pitifully little and helpless
and forsaken, and the woe in her tones
thrilled him. She was trying hard to
control her voice.
You see, Harlan, can look ahead
and understand how it will be. A wo-
man does understand such things
That's the awful thing about being a
woman and looking ahead and know
ing how it must be before it ever hap
pens
Before what happens, Clare2 I'm
trying hard to understand you"
"The world is all outside of this
place, Harlan. You know we have al
ways spoken of all other places than
f1,is. snn. In Np,, haH O.
through the great door. The great
fight is all ahead am ought not
to speak about myself. l have no
right to. But you'll forgive me.
didn't have any one to tell me.
didn't have any mother to advise me.
I have played through all the long
days. l don't know anything. Other
girls
"Clarc-little Glare. don't-don'tw he
pleaded.
You have been away only a few
days, and yet you have found out the
difference. You told me about her.
She Is beautiful, and she Il WISE She
has not wasted the long days. She can
help you with knowledge. She cam
lie put out his arms and tried to
take her, cursing himself for his
thoughtless cruelty. Infinite pity and
something else-fervent, hungry desire
to clasp her-overmastered all the pru-
dence Of the past But she eluded him.
She sprang away. She retreated to
the upper step Of the church porch,
and he paused, gazing up at her.
"Oh" she gasped why did I say
tr'
Listen to me Clare" he urged,
holding his arms to her. T know now
that I've been waiting for you. I
thought 1t was friendship. but now
r.
She cried out % Loudly, - hlttsrly,
that he stopped
"If you say it-H you say Il now.
Harlan. It VIII shame me 20 that l
can never Lift my eyes to yours again.
Don't you sss tat I can't listen b