Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1913-03-28

you because my mother begged me to
do it-begged me on her knees. And
when | say that I mean literally on
my soul-the very thought of it fright
ened me- But whel | saw my mother
on the ground at my feet and felt her
tears on my hands as she held them.
it was too much. For | love her, and
/ love the memory of her, and forget
everything else. | wished only to give
her what she wanted, even though it
was only money-even that! And so
| said yes, and she has what she
wants. And, though l have to pay the
price over and over again, l pay it! |
pay it! DO you understands"
She sank back exhausted on the
lounge Bracllard answered her sim
ply:
Il understand. But | want to know
where you've BEEN
lin sleepy now" she said wea-
rily. rising and moving toward the
door of her apartments again. I'm
going to bed"
Her manner expressed the utmost
Brachard quickly .nterposed his bulky
body between her and the door.
THAT wasn't nice-to hide yourself
conceal yourself-so you could steal
out of the house like a thief A wo-
man as proud as you" he said.
What do you mean by that"
You took advantage of my first
night away from home. You took adj
vantage of it. he said.
Anne Marie made another gesture of
WEAKNESS and Indifference rs she turn
ed back and resumed her seat.
1T is easy enough to keep a woman
from leaving Il room when she wishes
to-that's evident was all she said.
anne Marie, you're in love with
some one" Brachard cried, grown sud
denly angry and accusing.
BAH she exclaimed disgustedly.
Il know it." His voice grew louder,
more threatening, but she was not ter
rified now.
IF you know it, there's nothing more
to say"
"WeH. what is it-yes or no?" he de
handed.
Neither the one nor the other"
You think it is brave to defy me:"
Il think it is tiresome.'
ut isn't bravery. it's bravado." Bra
chard told her. land you hide your
self behind it because you're afraid to
come out and declare to my face
You never look any one in the face
she interrupted. with cutting sarcasm.
You worked on the docks too long"
'Insults are easy And it's nothing to
be proud of to deceive man who
trusts you-even in his own home. But
while YOU care to do these things YOU
are afraid of me. That's not difficult
to see
"Who wouldn't he afraid Of YOU in a
temptuOuSly.
1T isn't fear of my anger or Of my
grief or my despair It's only the fear
that your lady mother may lose a SON
in-law whom she values highly in
her thirst for riches
Brachard was sarcastic now and the
truth of his answer cut Anne Marie
through her pride. She arose and cried
angrily:
Don't you dare to speak of her like
that"
"Haven't I just been hearing from
line, f1lnt Shn sold hn1, Ir1, cyI,
ter to IL beast for the money that was
in it,
He sneered. and Anne-Marie became
hysterical and desperate.
I've had enough. I've had enough"
Anne-Marie cried. IF l speak--if
tell YOU will YOU let me alone: Will
you let me leave this room!''
Il swear it,"
''You will not trouble me with storm
ing and fury and questions:"
Nothing of the kind
Then III give you an answer" she
said boldly. standing upright and look
in. him squarely in the eyes. Just
to escape the sound of your voice
Yes | have Il lover
Her words rang out like knell.
Brachard staggered back with his
hands to his face.
Good God.' he cried.
''Or. rather. if YOU want to know"
Anne-Marie continued relentleSSly. glad
to torture him. II had Il lover-One
whom | thought | loved. But misfor-
tune follows me wherever I turn.
was handed over to IA dock laborer. and
in my recoil from that | fell in love
with Il worthless blackguard. And
tonight. to celebrate my first night Of
freedom, he took me to supper at a
we'll known restaurant. | had no sus-
picion of what it would be. l was ig-
norant of such utter fOulneSS. He
urged me in. and all at once | found
myself among men and women whose
very names
She broke off. shudGering at the rec
objection. Rrachard had listened with
growing horror 1T her recital.
Tell me who they We're" he cried
Don't ask NE anything" she said