River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1913-02-20
CHAPTER v.
Struggle.

the problem Of Mans yielding
to the lure Of Bivens' gold the
more hideous and hopeless II
became. He began to feel that he had
been to blame Why had he allowed
the foolish pride of lovers quarrel to
keep them apart for two weeks?
When he came downstairs he paused
at the door. Harriet was playing and
singing again. and the soft tones Of her
voice were healing. He walked gently
to the door Of the music room. leaned
against the panel and watched and
listened
At last she stopped reluctantly, tip
ped her golden head sideways in a CO
quettish little triumphant movement
mans voice said:
~ congratulate you. Miss Harriet
like that very muchv'
'Do you. professor2 Oh. I'm so glad
to please your
She shook her curls with genuine de
light and played out the little dialogue
with vivid imaginary touches.
Stuart laughed.
The girl leaped to her feet. blushing
scarlet. rushed to his side and seized
his hand.
Ibid you see me. Jim2 Was l very
f0olshY
certainly not quite agree with
the professor You will some day sing
before kings and queens. little girl"
He left her waving and smiling TO
him from the steps. He walked with
new vigor and a deepening sense OF
gratitude to her. His breath deepened
and his step grew firm and swift. BE
would fight for his own. He would &c
straight to Nan and laugh at this an
nouncement He would compel her to
hear him. 1t was an absurd hour to
call, but all the better.
Mrs. Primrose's greeting was so cor
dial. so genuinely friendly. that for a
moment he was puzzled. Could 1t be
possible he had misjudged herr
She pressed his hand warmly and
Iingeringly.
"Oh, Jim, I'm so glad you've come.
why have you stayed away so long,
1t was so foolish Of you. You gave up
without a struggle. I'm shocked be
yond measure at Nan. told her that
his millions would never bring happi
ness unless her heart went with them
that her love for you was thing
she couldn't lay aside as a cloak she
had worn. told Nan the day she
promised to marry Mr. Bivens that you
were worth a dozen such men, no mat
ter how many millions he had. You
have always been my choice-you
know that"
Stuart could control himself no long
er. He rose and faced Mrs. Primrose
with look which brought her clio
quence to an abrupt end.
''Mrs. Primrose, for once in my life
am going to tell you the truth You
have always been my bitterest foe
You brought Nan to New York to get
her away from me-"
The mothers eyes blazed with hon
est wrath
"Yes, l did; and I'm glad 1 did it
you ungrateful wretch!"
And you have always been busy
poisoning her mind against me and
corruphng her Imagination with
dreams of life OF luxury"
"And. thank God. I've succeeded al
last In bringing her TO her senses in
time to save her from throwing herself
away on you. Jim Stuart!'
As Mrs. Primrose left Nan quietly en-
tered the room. Her face was set fol
battle in a proud defiant smile. She
was totally unprepared for the way IL
which Stuart met her.
With a quick step he was at her side
seized both her hands in grip Of fierce
tenderness and In low tones Of vibrant
passion said:
This thing don't go with me, Nan
won't accept 1t. I'm going to fight
fight for my own-for you are mine
mine by every law of God and man
and you are worth lighting fort"
The hard smile of defiance melted
from the beautiful face. and flush OF
tenderness slowly overspread bel
cheeks. 1t was sweet to be loved like
that by a strong. masterful man. She
ctdAtGO " SRCuhs anu nC AuASCo Las
hand:
Il know. dear. you said our engage
ment was broken. don't believe yoJ
mean It. couldn't. The news OF
your engagement to Bivens came as {
bolt out of the blue sky. l refuse t
accept such an act as final. You did i
out OF pique. You don't mean 1t. YoJ
can't mean 1t! told you the othel
day | had a surprise for you. / have
It's worth a day. You promised m,
one in the country before our foolish
quarrel. want It now. You vii
comeY'
She hesitated a moment and said:
YES"
Within an hour they had reached tn,
hills overlooking Gravesend bay, ant
the magnificent sweep Of water below