The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-01-16

magazine which claimed his services.
Their very virtues fought against
them-Joe knew good literature, no.
less good breeding. The broad
splashy effects that thrilled his pub
Il ne nvt iUI uoI. - tST FCc e
lacked life they were at the least de-
Gently tailored. Yet she was set as
the hills on making her way, here in
the boiling town, rather than go back
to the nagging of step-mother-nag-
gings whose root was the prosperous
Billy Mason.
Latimer had known her from her
cradle. Indeed, he had carried her
pig-a-back several miles at least. He
had never thought of her as sweet
heart. SweethearUing Tor him, indeed,
had always meant Agnes Ware. II
she had not thrown him over for his
rich uncle he should never have seen
New York. His coming had cogent
reason-why under heaven had that
willful Joe come likewise?-why, find
ing herself so unfit, did she foolishly
stay?
He bought the poor little story
paying for it from his own spare peck
et, but through the mask of the mag
azine. After the check had been sent
by messenger, he felt a bit easier,
though still he could not settle stead
lily to his work. Joe's face, wearing
that gallant smile above the pain
marks, came between him and the
page he read. She stayed with him
so persistently; indeed. he shut his
desk half an hour early. and went
scowling to the tiny chambers he had
managed to find in quiet eddy OF the
town.
They looked desolate enough. yet he
had thought them cosy. Joe was the
matter-even there she haunted him.
He went out quickly made his way
to the park and walked there with
swinging strides, until almost mid
night Then suddenly he felt himself
faint with hunger, found an eating
place and fed himself decently. Aft
erwsrd there was another stroll. The
moon had come up transforming mag
ically even the sordid town. II was
late-after midnight-when he came
again TO his own door and sat down
upon the steps for last bask in the
'moonshine, a last cigar.
At first he barely noted q huddled
limp figure upon the farther end OF
the topmost step. 1t gave him a turn
TO have 1t suddenly slip down beside
him. Next minute Joe was saying In
breaks
Johnny-I-you1l have to send me
home-after all I've found out
/ won't do-Tm too big a coward"
How did you make the discovery"
Latimer asked teasingly, laying his
hand on her arm.
She drew away from him ever SO
gently. Why you see-this way.
got the story-all right-and Parish
said could use it. But-but l found
! couldn't do that. Why, Johnny the
J whole secret is-Mrs Norrowill loved
her husband so she wouldn't stand
IN the way of his happiness after she
1 found out he loved somebody else
/ And she-she made believe to f1irt
with the other man-so her husband
would have a clear conscience. Could
/ you-could anybody, cruelty a woman
who would do that?"
Il know you couldn't" Latimer re-
turned, his heart beating fast He had
heard more than the words-a subtly
/ vibrant sympathy. Joe must know
what that other woman felt-was it
possible she had loved him, Latimer.
all along She was standing INSTEAD
| lily upon her poor pinched feet
1T was so kind OF you-sending the
check" she murmured. Il had to come
and tell you-when they said you
were out l waited. Please fix 1t so
l can go home Saturday-but under
stand l won't marry Billy"
"No-because you are going to mar
ry me instead" Latimer answered,
tucking her hand over his arm. Il
am coming for you early in the fall
think you can be ready"
I'm ready now-unless you want
to send me away" Joe said, so low,
so sweetly, Latimer had to kiss her
then and there, regardless of time
and place.
/ Copyright, 1912, by Associated Literary
Presx)