Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1914-07-30


creature who had the effrontery to
hate you just because your name hap
pens to be Van vechten."
That young gentleman pricked up
his ears at this. He quickly inter-
posed
THAT being the case. seem to be
more concerned than you are willing
to admit. Why should you hate the
name Van Vechten? | must confess
that | have added nothing to its lus-
ter, yet neither have | besmirched 1t.
nor allowed the clans gonfalon to trail
in the dust. You see that my feelings
toward you are anything but harsh
and vindictive; 80 why not tell me
about yourself?"
mo. mol am too full of shame and
notification" she cried bitterly II
owed it . my own mean. selfish.
heartless pride to humble and abase
myself before you. hated you. But
you are a courageous. noble. high
minded gentleman. II you knew-ev-
erything-"
Again SHE Was uudDic " ~ w.
"Why not tell me-everythhg? he
gently urged.
"You would hate and despise me
more than ever"
He took one of her hands In his.
1T is impossible that | should hate
or despise you; there is the very best
Of reasons why | could not. My APP
pearance is all against any cause
might plead. but-you are tremblilg!"
he abruptly broke Off.
81 am utterly wretchedl" she
moaned
For once in his life. at least. Van
Vechten was at loss. The girl was
so determined to humble herself, the
idea was so repugnant TO his nice
sense of fitness. and his attempts to
influence her were SO ineffective. that
he despaired OF relieving the situation
She seemed unconscious OF the fact
that he still held her hand. and sat
with head bowed, Individually very mis-
cradle and unhappy.
Listen to me-" he resumed after a
pause. Il can show you that your
whole conception OF the matter Is NOR
d-false-inexcusable This Is not
the time and place to make this con-
fession-not the occasion | should
have chosen-but-are you listening?
there has not been one minute since
last Sunday afternoon that you have
been out OF my thoughts"
She looked a. him in wonder.
Sunday" she echoed. What DO
you mean?'
THAT love you"
She tried to withdraw her hand. but
his closed upon 1t tightly.
"Ouchl That hurts," he exclaimed.
She Immediately desisted. while 4
rich tide OF color suffused her cheeks.
"Mr. Van Vechten," she said nerv-
ously. this is absurd. Still. II It Is
your method OF revenge. 1t Is not for
me to show resentment. You do not
even know my name"
81 do" he quietly contradicted- at
is JESSIE"
She uttered a surprised little cry.
Why"
Wait, please" he checked her. 81
want to add that II you believe the
pure. high attributes you ascribe to
me, you must know that | could not
take such a method OF revenge-as-
suming that l am seeking revenge. or
even that any grounds exist to justify
revenge. which | deny. II remains,
therefore. that must be sincere.
You surely know, Jessie, that love
laughs at conventionalities as we'll as
at obdurate parents and locksmiths
1t is incredible that such thing could
happen-Ill even admit that But the
TACT remains that It has happened.
love you; and II you continue in the
belief that you owe me some amends.
why, we can square matters by you
promising to marry me. shall accept
your culpability upon that basis and
no other"
For long time she sat looking into
his eyes. Then
DO you mean that2" she asked very
soberly.
Il was never more earnest In my
life" he assured her.
Then" she said rising and gently
disengaging her hand, Il shall promise
this: One week from today-if your
feelings have not changed In the mean
time-if you can make the request
with as much sincerity as you do now
i will marry you any time you say.
Good-by."
She moved toward the reception
hall, and his feelings we're too over
towering for speech. 1t all seemed like
joyous dream coming true-or. per.
maps, he was still dreaming. II 80.
the dream was about to end, and he
found utterance.
JESSIE" he said.
She paused.
Come back here a moment. please.
There Give me your
hand again-both OF them. Now look
at me-" She complied with each re-
quest as quickly as 1t was made. TELL
me-" he went on, us that promise a
| part OF your door nieouidad aoist