The Red Cloud chief., 1912-10-03

magazine which claimed his services
Their very virtues fought against
them---Joe knew good literature, no
less good breeding. The broad
splashy effects that thrilled his pub,
lie were not for her. II her people
lacked life they were at the least de-
Gently tailored. Yet she was set as
the hills on making her way. here In
the boiling town. rather than go back
to the nagging Of q step.mother-nag
| gings whose root was the prosperous
Billy Mason.
Latimer had known her from her
cradle. Indeed, he had carried her
pig-a-back several miles at least. lie
had never thought Of her as sweet.
heart. Sweethearting for him. indeed.
had always meant Agnes Ware. II
she had not thrown him over for his
rich uncle he should never have seen
New York. His coming had cogent
reason-why under heaven had that
willful Joe come likewise why, find.
ing herself SO unfit. did she foolishly
stay?
He bought the poor little story
paying for 1t from his own spare pock
ct, but through the mask Of the mag
azine. After the check had been sent
by messenger. he felt q bit easier.
though still he could not settle stead
lily to his work. Joe's face, wearing
that gallant smile above the pain
marks. came between him and the
page he read She stayed with him
SO persistently; indeed, he shut his
desk half an hour early, and went
scowling to the tiny chambers he had
managed to find In quiet eddy Of the
town.
They looked desolate enough. yet he
had thought them cosy. Joe was the
matter--even there she haunted him.
He went out quickly. made his way
to the park and walked there with
swinging strides, until almost mid
night Then suddenly he felt himself
faint with hunger. found an eating
place and fed himself decently. Aft.
erward there was another stroll. The
moon had come up Transforming mag.
ically even the sordid town. 1t was
late--after midnight--when he came
again to his own door and sat down
upon the steps for a last bask In the
moonshine, a last cigar.
At first he barely noted q huddled
limp figure upon the farther end OF
the topmost step. 1t gave him turn
to have 1t suddenly slip down beside
him. Next minute Joe was saying In
breaks:
'Johnny-I-you'll have to send me
home-after all. I've found out
won't do-Tm too big q coward"
How did you make the discovery
Latimer asked teasingly, laying his
hand on her arm.
She drew away from him ever 81
gently. why you see-this way.
got the story-all right--and Parish
said ! could use 1t. But-but fount
l couldn't do that. Why! Johnny thu
whole secret is-Mrs. Norrowill lovet
her husband so she wouldn't stant
, In the way Of his happiness after sh'
found out he loved somebody else
. And she-she made believe to fir
| with the other man--so her husban,
would have q clear conscience. Coult
you-could anybody. cruelty q woman
who would do that?"
II know you couldn't" Latimer re
turned. his heart beating fast. He hat
heard more than the words-a subtl!
vibrant sympathy. Joe must know
what that other woman felt--was 1
possible she had loved him. Latimer
all along? She was standing unstead
lily upon her poor pinched feet.
1T was SO kind Of you-sending thu
check" she murmured. II had to COM
and tell you--when they said 20,
. were out, waited. Please fix 1t 81
can 60 home Saturday-but under
stand l won't marry Billy"
"No-because you are going to mar
ry me instead" Latimer answered
tucking her hand over his arm. e
am coming for you early In the fall
!, think you can be ready?"
I'm ready now-unless you wan
to send me away" Joe said. so low
/, so sweetly. Latimer had to kiss he
, then and there. regardless Of tim
and place.
Copyright. 1912. by Associated Litsrar