The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1912-10-31

4agazine which claimed his services.
their very virtues fought against
hem-Joe knew good literature, no
ess good breeding. The broad
plashy effects that thrilled his pub
&c were not for her, If her people
acked life they were at the least de-
emily tailored. Yet she was set as
he hills on making her way, here in
he boiling town, rather than go back
o the nagging of step-mother-nag
,lngs whose root was the prosperous
lilly Mason
Latimer had known her from her
;radle. Indeed, he had carried her
.ig-a-back several miles at least. He
lad never thought of her as sweet
cart. Sweethearting for him, indeed,
lad always meant Agnes Ware. III
he had not thrown him over for his
ich uncle he should never have seen
Iew York. His coming had a cogent
'eason-why under heaven had that
Nillful Joe come likewise ?-why, ind
ng herself so unfit, did she foolishly
stay?
He bought the poor little story
aging for it from his own spare pock-
It. but through the mask of the mag
Azine. After the check had been sent
Oy messenger, he felt a bit easier,
hough still he could not settle stead
ly to his work. Joe's face, wearing
hat gallant smile above the pain
marks, came between him and the
yage he read. She stayed with him
80 persistently; indeed, he shut his
desk half an hour early, and went
scowling to the tiny chambers he had
managed to find in a quiet eddy of the
own.
They looked desolate enough, yet he
lad thought them cosy. Joe was the
matter-even there she haunted him.
He went out quickly, made his way
o the park and walked there with
swinging strides, until almost mid
night. Then suddenly he felt himself
aint with hunger, found an eating
place and fed himself decently. Aft
erward there was another stroll. The
noon had come up transforming mag
cally even the sordid town. 1t was
tate-after midnight-when he came
gain to his own door and sat down
Ipon the steps for last bask in the
noonshine, last cigar.
At first he barely noted a huddled
imp figure upon the farther end of
The topmost step. 1t gave him a turn
o have it suddenly slip down beside
lin. Next minute Joe was saying in
breaks:
Johnny-I-you'H have to send me
home-after all. I've found out
won't do-Im too big a coward"
How did you make the discovery"
Latimer asked teasingly, laying his
hand on her arm
She drew away from him ever SO
gently. why you see-this way l
5ot the story-all right-and Parish
aid could use it. But-but found
couldn't do that. Why! Johnny the
whole secret is-Mrs. Norrowill loved
her husband so she wouldn't stand
N the way of his happiness after she
iound out he loved somebody else.
And she-she made believe to fiirt
with the other man-so her husband
would have clear conscience. Could
you-could anybody, cruelty a woman
who would do that?"
Il know you couldn't" Latimer re-
turned, his heart beating fast. He had
heard more than the words-a subtly
vibrant sympathy. Joe must know
what that other woman felt-was it
possible she had loved him, .Latimer,
Ill along? She was standing INSTEAD
lily upon her poor pinched feet.
1T was so kind of you-sending the
check she murmured. Il had to come
and tell you--when they said you
were out, waited. Please fix it so
can go home Saturday-but under
stand | won't marry Billy"
''No-because you are going to mar
ry me instead" Latimer answered,
ucking her hand over his arm. Il
coming for you early in the fall
.ulEk you can be ready?"
I'm ready now-unless you want
10 send me away" Joe said, so low,
so sweetly, Latimer had to kiss her
then and there, regardless of time
and place.
Press.)