Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-06-08

sometimes comes of loving. But I've tried
to tell you the truth about things. to train
you to walk alone. I've taught you things
that will make it poss BILE for you to earn
your own living; though I've never seen
any likelihood that you be obliged to. I've
taught you other thing, that would enable
you to guard against ngerous people and
worthless people and Fl udulent, lying peo-
pie. You haven't the i usions that girl OF
twenty is supposed to lie entitled to. But
they are dangerous play Kings for anybody.
and they'd be specially dangerous for you.
In those ways think I've kept the promise
that l made to myself when l stole you, and
gave you a new name, an took another new
name for myself, and turned down page,
and began our lives afresi on new one.
She smiled at that. little smile of in
credulous amusement Father she said
protestingly, "don't talk parables now.
don't" And then she topped and her
eyes widened; for she saw hat what he said
was the sober, literal truth. 3StoleE she
echoed. "Gave me new name' And then
she let go his hand rather suddenly and
clasped her own together: for they were
trembling. @Then you're not" she began;
but had to pause and press her lips together
too-"not my real father at all?" she fin
ished
ooh nv dear, my dear yes!r he said Il
stole only half of you. Half of you was al
ways mine, and the other half held to be
forfeited"
With sob of relief. of passionate reaction
from a momentary terror. she leaned for
ward, and slipped to her knees beside the
bed, and laid her head upon it, and held his
body tight in the embrace of her strong
young arms.
FOR good while neither spoke; but his
! weak hand played in the black tresses
of her hair and quoted her.
"That's all that really matters, isn't it,
he said. His voice trailed away family.
In an instant she was on her feet, looking
into his face as she had looked when she first
came into the room.
That blue pallor was coming back again.
She turned, with half-repressed gesture OF
despair, toward the window. Would the
doctor never come? Then she got herself in
hand again and gave him some more of the
brandy.
Better" he said family that's bet
ter Don't be frightened He'll come pres
entity
When he began speaking again his voice
was so low she had to lean close to hear.
Il ought to have told you long ago. he
said, what I've just told you and-other
things. I'm coward, Pamela. That's the
truth
She managed little laugh and laid her
cheek against his. "A coward she echoed
scornfully.
1Yes," he insisted. ooh, I've done what
the world calls brave things. I've faced adj
ventures, taken my chances with savage
men and savager places; even the Borneo
Jungle, and that S the deadliest in the world.
And I've made them pay-oh, a hundred
fold-for all the hardships and the dangers!
But I'm a coward, Pamela. just the same.
I've let my fears hold me back from what
knew l ought to do. And that's what
cowardice is. l ought to have told you long
ago what I've told you now. and more-all
about yourself, who you really are.
am glad you didn't she said. Every
thing has been perfect between us. If it had
been different in any way, it couldn't have
been so perfect. But now you can tell me,
sometime. Not tonight! Don't talk any
more tonight. Well just stay like this
quietly, and wait for the Doctor
3There won't be time" he whispered.
Il must tell you now"
She started to protest; but touch of his
cold hand silenced her.
Il have been coward he said breath
lessly. "There's no getting away from it.
Do you remember last June IN London.