River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1913-03-27
The doctor lifted bis head gently.

The doctor lifted his head gently
MY troubles are so much tighter
than those of the people | know
friends and patients have given up
in this panic So many have died for
the lack of bread. I'll let you know
if I'm in trouble myself"
He paused and pressed Stuart's
hand
I'm glad you asked me The sun
will shine brighter today. must
hurry"
With a swing of his stalwart form
and a generous wave of his hand he
was gone.
When Stuart reached the drive he
alighted and walked slowly toward the
Bivens palace. He had never been
the spot He smiled now at the child
ishness of his attitude toward Nan.
The full moon had just risen and
flooded the drive and park and river
with silvery mystery. He studied the
effects of the building with wonder
and admiration. Evidently Bivens had
given his architects a free hand and
they had wrought poem in marble
So fascinated was Stuart with the
beauty and perfection of the great
house be walked around the block be-
fore entering, viewing it from every
angle. What strange thing. this
medieval palace. standing in stately
beauty in the midst of the hideous.
ugly uniformity of the most modern,
unromantic and materialistic city of
the world! What was its meaning?
Had a new master of the world real
ly been born? Surely his like had
never been seen in the history of man
this modern money maniac, this
strange creature of iron muscles, al
ways hurrying. daring. scheming, plot
ting with never a moments relaxation.
Stuart was shown into the drawing
room by a powdered flunky whose cos
tune was designed by one of the court
tailors of Europe. While awaiting the
arrival of the mistress of the house he
looked about the room with increasing
amaZement. He found the perfection
of grace, eleganc quiet richness and
surprising beauty.
He began to realize for the first time
the triumph of the woman who had
bartered him for gold His eye rested
on a life size portrait of Nan done by
the foremost artist of Europe. The
artist had caught the secret of her
character and expressed it with genius
in the poise of the superb form, the
incarnation of sensuous, soulless beauty
dominated by keen intelligence.
He wondered if she really showed
the ten years added to her age. AT
least he knew that she had not been
happy There was some consolation
in that, Her ceaseless efforts to win
back his friendship had left no room
for doubt He sank deep into the great
chair and silently waited her coming
When Mans radiant figure appeared
In the doorway. her bare arm extend
ed her lips parted in a tender smile,
Stuart knew that his face was red
The fact that he knew it increased his
confusion until the whole room became
a blur Her hand touched his. The
shock was SOLDERING; he remembered
himself and smiled.
What a long long time, JimW
"A thousand years. think, Man," he
Stammered
Mine hundred. to be exact, sir, but
better late than never. began to
think your stubbornness would post.
pone this call until the next world
Mr. Rivens was detained downtown on
business | am awfully sorry he's not
here to join in my welcome. But
am disappointed in you"
"WhyY
my vanity is hurt | expected to
find you. after nine years. with deep
lines OF suffering written on your face.
You are better looking than ever The
few gray hairs about your temples are
extremely becoming Your honors have
given you a new repose. dignity and re-
serve power"
ALLOW me to return the compliment
by saying that you are even more
startling disappointment to me. was
ture that ! should find you broken.
You are far more beautiful than ever.
The only changes see merely add
to your ,Qower-the worldly wisdom
which marriage writes on every won
ans face, a new strength. warmth
and fascination and conscious joy at
which | wonder and rage"
"Why wonder and ragep
She drew him gently to seat by her
side, leaned forward and gazed smil-
ingly at him.
"WheD | see you tonight in all this
splendor. so insolently happy
Nan sprang to her feet, laughing.
"You are delicious tonight, Jim, and
I'm so glad you are here. Come into
the art gallery 1t will take you days
to see it: we'll just peep in tonight"
He followed her into stately room
packed with masterpieces of art
Stuart gazed a moment in rapture.
"You must spend days here. Jim
Now. honestly, with all your high
nNM.