Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1914-08-01


cradle and unhappy.
Listen to me" he resumed after a
/ pause. Il can show you that your
whole conception of the matter is NOR
/ bid-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 at him in wonder.
Sunday she echoed. What do
you mean?"
That l love you"
She tried TO withdraw her hand. but
his closed upon IL lightly.
Ouch! That hurts" he exclaimed.
She Immediately desisted, while a
rich tide of color suffused her cheeks.
Mr. Van Vechten" she said nerv-
! ously, this is absurd. Still, If it is
your method of revenge. it is not for
me to show resentment. You do not
even know my name"
Il do, he quietly contradicted. "IC
is Jessie"
She uttered 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 I could not
take such a method OF revenge-as-
Stunning that l am seeking revenge, or
even that any grounds exist to justify
revenge. which | deny. 1t 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 a thing could
happen-Ill even admit that But the
fact remains that 1t has happened. l
love you; and if you continue in the
belief that you owe me some amends.
why, we can square matters by you
promising to marry me. Ishall accept
your culpability upon that basis and
no other"
For a long time she sat looking into
his eyes. Then
DO you mean that?" she asked very
soberly. ~
Il was never more earnest in my
life" he assured her.
Then" she said rising and gently
disengaglng her hand q 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
Il will marry you any time you say
Goodby."
She moved toward the reception
hall, and his feelings were too over
towering for speech. 1t all seemed like
a joyous dream coming true-or, per
haps, he was still dreaming. II SO.
the dream was about to end, and he
found utterance.
Jessie" he said
She paused
Come back here moment, please.
There Give me your
hand again-both of them. Now look
at me" She complied with each re-
quest as quickly as it was made Tell
me" he went on. lis that promise
part of your poor misguided self-im-
pOotu peHduCe.
Don't ask ne what urges it." she
replied in a shaking voice.
81 shan't accept it in any such
warped and distorted spirit of selfsac-
rifce," he pursued, still speaking very
gently. but none the less earnestly. 1T
is too much to expect that you can en-
terrain a sentiment toward me that
anywhere near approaches mine-not
now. But can teach you-girl, can
teach you! l give you as genuine a
love as any man can offer woman.
Can't you acknowledge some kindly
feeling for me in return?"
Let me co." she begged in an agi-
tated whisper. God knows. | antici-
pated nothing like thisi"
lis the idea so repugnant to your"
You are killing me with kindness,"
The quivering rise and fall of her
bosom betrayed how profoundly she
was disturbed, and the light in her
handsome dark eyes signified a melt |
ing mood. Even the bruises on Van
Vechten's face could not disguise the
fondness with which he regarded her.
AT least you do not deny it. !
Cod" he broke off in an accession of |
irritation. 1T is iHtolerable to be at
sG--~N&2- 9G-s.,rgyTI 6YSmu 8 *