Iron County record. [volume] (Cedar City, Utah) 1893-1982, 1912-05-03
Eor tie Best

10 very small AFFAIR at the
Averills'. Why not come alongy"
because I'm not asked. But you
VIII give me a minute before you
go?" l pleaded. 5pe
She glanced at the hall clock.
Yes. think so. Hord Ayerill ia
coming for me, but II isn't time for
him yet"
Annie" said to the maid, IF Mr..
Averill arrives. show him into the
drawing-room and let him wait"
You are very urgent" Barbara
said, with rather uncertain smile.
held open the library door and she
entered. She did not SIT, but stood
half turning to me. leaning against
the corner OF the table near the FIRE.
place, where a low fire burned. had
never seen her half 80 lovely, nor so
adorable.
We have abused our friendship and
treated IL shamefully." said at once.
and now perhaps i am about to
maroon 1t; but must take the chance.
Forgive me il have come too soon,
dear, but can wait no longer. must
know--now that you are free to tell
me--whether can ever hope that you
will care for me-"
DO you know all that has hap
pened?' she asked. She was as
white as her gown, and her eyes only
half lifted TO mine.
Yes. Barbara. Don't mind, dear.
Part of IL ! guessed and the other
part had to be told me. But am glad
that there is nothing for you to tell
me-nothing but the one thing ] am
so eager to hear Yon won't keep me
waiting any longer, viii your"
After all that has happened you
still want me for-your--"
More than ever; a thousand times
more than ever!" cried.
Il don't understand how you can"
she said. She turned her face from
me. leaning heavily on the table, the
soft freight over her. Gould you
ever be sure of me? have deceived
you so long"
You must deceive neither yourself
nor me now" | said. seriously. Il
want the truth. whatever that is. Be
honest Don't try To- be kind to me.
You have had to make pretense so
long. Think only of yourself now"
waited for her reply, but it was
long In coming. so long that my heart
sank.
IF am to be honest" she began,
IL must tell you that-that-"
Yes? Don't be afraid, dear"
That II would be foolish--foolish
for me TOTO try TOTO care for you.
for l."
Don't try to go on" cried. Il see.
| have been fool to expect IT,"
A little sound of pain escaped her.
pulled myself together with an
effort
You mustn't worry" said. DULY.
Il can't blame you. heaven knows! J
wouldn't have you come to me unless
you love me, you know that And ]
would rather go on--alone-than hays
you give yourself to me through pity"
"Oh. yes. yes!" she cried.
stared into the fire. kSa
honght / was prepared
Presently she began to speak again:
Won't you let me finish. please? l.
| want you to understand IL wS5ld
be foolish for me toto try to care
for you. because--because-
"Oh. don't try to ease Il for met"
broke In. II must learn to bear II.
Forgive me for being so long getting
myself in hand. You're not to blame
yourself, dear. You never gave me
any reason to hope. but | did. | told
myself that | didn't. but | did--even
when ! thought Ankony was going To
carry you OF the next day, still
/ hoped. IL seemed to me that heaven
meant you should belong to me, and
that l must have you. But there.
therel don't look at me like that,
and don't"
Il am going to finish" she said.
resolutely. Let me go on"
Il wish you wouldn't" / urged.
She sat down, bending to the fire. I
could not see her eyes, but I knew
they were misty, and the softness OF
her voice was indescribable.
couldn't try to care for you be-
cause-because I have been-have
been fighting for months-to--to quit
caring. On, why--why will you be so
dense!"
"Barbara!" 4 cried, bending over
her.
She put up futile little hand be.
tween us, but | laughed In the rap
ture OF the moment and caught her in
my arms
Wait" she pleaded.
My waiting is overt" l breathed.
~oh. look st me. dear one. and let me
have the testimony 81 So"v eva. H..