The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1912-04-04

In which he has been ralsesr was IN
coming between us. II he hadn't done
that you could have loved me. That
Sunday when you sang you almost
cared for me. And you would have
let yourself love me had it not been
for him. Even now you wouldn't re.
fuse me finally were it not for his op-
position. But he and I have come to
the end"
you're mistaken" she said gently.
'That isn't my entire reason. He has
told me that he no longer objects. He
proves his friendship by that"
Again Paul fell back Imply in his
chair. -has-toId-you"- he gasp
ed. ''When?"
Saturday night-over the tele-
phone"
1T was too late--tOo late!'
| The music of the string band and
the voices Of the other diners receded.
He lost sense even Of the presence Of
the woman before him. He felt mis-
erably alone. Life had dealt hardly
by him, ne thought bitterly. There
was no hint of self blame in his bitter
ness. His heart contracted in spasm
of exquisite sorrow. Tears of self pity
stood in his eyes.
'The end of the dream" he sighed.
1T was too good to be true Nothing
remains but a memory-the deathess
memory Of what might have been"
Even in his bitterness be could turn
his pretty phrase.
Tears were in her eyes too. "You'll
forget. Pm not worth even a men,
Dry"
She could with difficulty preserve
the steadiness OF her voice an she
spoke.
81 have no right to ask you any
thing. | haven't been fair with yon.
But am fair with you nOw-l'm try
ing to atone for my seltishness- when
l say go back to him and forget me.
You are all he cares for. and he is far
more worthy of your love than | am.
You will find your true happiness
working with him and John Dun
meade. And IL will go away where
you can both forget me and | can III
longer stand between you. l. not he,
have been the maIplot."
Its too late" hr said listlessly. HE
and | have parted forever
"It is never too late to atone for a
fault. Be generous to me. if not tC
him." she pleaded AnXiDusly.
The quality of his smile changed
ITO you? What is he to you?"
"He is man who despises NE
Justly" she answered steadily. lie
is a man whom my brother is cruelty
seeking to destroy and to whom
have careiess3y selflshly. done the
greatest injury one can do to another
Paul. know how my brother is tempt
ing you. You will not do what ht
wants; please say you will not. See
I'm putting aside my woman's pride
to plead for man who hates me. BE
cause if you do what Henry wants
must always feel that the crime Il
mine
"Its too late! It's doner'
"Paul!''
A man at the next table turne<
sharply. hearing the low, gasping cry
He looked away again quickly. Th'
cry pierced even Paul's self pity. HI
saw her face go death white; piteous
stricken look crept into her eyes. Al
unbelievable. stunning thought stirred
in his heart.
do you mean that you
The sadly beautiful picture faded
The pity of self-of the man upOl
whom circumstances had played 81
hardly-died. He saw his deed in al
its shamefulness. it's nakedness of de
tense. The sense of unreality fel
from him. He saw the misery he hat
wrought.
"What have l done?"
"What have we done"
Mechanically he fumbled for bill
and threw it on the table. He ros'
from his seat. AS mechanically sh'
followed him out of the restauran
into the street
He gave her one long look, in which
she saw written all his shame; then
without word, he turned and left her
She watched him until his figure wa!
lost in the crowd. ...N