Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1913-01-16

ciers. CIVILIZATION must rest at least on
justice or it cant endure.
But. Jim. no matter what your the
cries Of life or your ambitions. these
millions will make them more power
full"
Its not true. Not a single great man
whose words have nodded the world
was rich. The glitter Of your millions
once blinded me and I was on the point
of surrender. but I've won out. The
people in your little world live for
money. They do not possess it. they
are possessed by it. They are slaves.
You will have to come with me into
the great free world-if you love me-"
IF | love your Nan cried. with
trembling lips. Don't speak that way.
If you only knew! MY love for YOU
has kept me alive through all that I've
endured. It's the only thing that's
worth the struggle: but / can't think,
Your demand Is SO sudden. so stun-
ming. so terrifying, I don't know what
TO say"
W can never be anything to each
other" he answered firmly. ION any
other terms than the remuneration Of
all that Bivens leaves. l don't care
what you do with it. Just SO you wash
your hands of it. You and l must be-
gin life just where we left off when
the shadow Of his money darkened
the world for us both. You must give
it up"
Its hard, dearest" she said with a
sol, for your sake it's hard. I've
dreamed so many wonderful things
that would come to pass when | made
you the master of these millions"
You must choose between his
money and my love; you can't have
both"
She gazed at him with Il desperate
yearning.
I'll do anything you wish. only love
me. dearest" she sobbed. "All L ask
Is to be MISUNDERSTANDING that
you never leave me!!'
But even as she spoke. her mind was
made up. She would reserve at least
half her fortune secretly. When they
We're married she could persuade him
to be reasonable.
"All right. then. it's settled. but it
must be everything with me or moth
ing. | won't shake hands with my
friend and make love to his wife. You
must cease to be his wife now"
But how-what do you mean?" she
asked. white with sudden fear.
Leave your husband. your palaces.
your millions and join me tomorrow
night on the limited for New York.
Bring only Il change of clothes in a
single trunk and a hand bag. My
money must be sufficient. I'll wire for
passage on an outgoing steamer. Wen
spend two years in Europe and return
to America when we please. Are you
ready?"
"Oh. jim. DEAR" she faltered. YOU
know that would be madness"
Certainly it's madness. the madness
of a great love! Come. why do you
hesitate?"
The lines of her body relaxed and
she began to sob softly. The man
waited in silence for her to speak.
I've done you harm enough. dear
est" she said at last. II can't do
this"
And your thought is only of me.
Nan?" be asked with piercing inten-
sity.
"And of myself" she acknowledged
brokenly. II couldn't do such an in
sane, vulgar thing
II didn't think you could" was the
bitter response.
"All l ask" she pleaded. lis to lear
you say the words that you love me
now-just as l am with all my faults"
well, l shall not speak them" he
answered savagely. Your husband is
the master of millions. but l am the
master of something %bigger-I am the
master of myself. | will not play a
second fiddle to your little husband"
The dark head dropped lower. When
she lifted it at last two despairing
tears were shining in her eyes.
II understand. jim" she said simply.
1--WE will go on as we have. I'll wait
In silence"
He rose and lifted her to her feet.
The voices Of the youngsters rang up
the mountains side.
mo, we can't go on like this now.
Nam" he said with quiet strength.
The silence has been broken between
us. Your husband is my friend and
from today our lives must lie apart
It's the only way"
She extended her hand and he
pressed it tenderly. Her voice was the
merest sobbing whisper when she
spoke: Yes. Jim, I suppose it's the
only way"