New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1914-07-15

playground. never dreamed
what it really means to be hungry and
homeless. to be alone among strangers.
! had read Of such things, but they
never seemed real or possible. But 1
know it all now; all the, utter loneli-
ness of a great city. Why it is easier
to fall than to stand, and, oh, was so
desperate tonight! II actually be-
lieve had come to the very end of
the struggle. Whatever happens
whatever possibly can happen to me
hereafter shall never again be the
same thoughtless creature. never again
become uncharitable to others in mis-
cry. Why were you at that house and
so afraid Of the poiice?"
well, that is long story" replied
hesitatingly. II had been talking with
some men inside who had offered me
work and good pay. There was rea-
son why l did not wish to be seen
coming out at that hour
'Not-not anything criminal?'
mo; I've confessed to being good
for nothing, but I'm clear of crime"
She drew long breath Of relief.
II do not quite believe" she said
firmly. "You-you do not look like that"
l laughed in spite of my efforts.
II am delighted to have you say so.
No more do feel like that now. Yet
so the record reads, and you must ac-
cept me just as am or not at all. 1
have nothing else to offer''
Perhaps have no more"
II have asked no explanation Of
you"
True, yet you cannot be devoid of
curiosity. You meet me after mid
night, wandering alone in the streets;
you see me boldly, shamelessly, inter
fering to prevent the arrest of a
strange man; you hear me deliberately
falsify again and again. What could
you think of such woman?"
you ask my individual judgment
or that Of the world?"
yours, of course. l know the other
already"
l extended my hand across the table
and placed it over her own. A swift
flush sprang to her cheeks, but she
made no effort to draw away. The ac-
ton was so natural.
Il have no desire to pry into your
secret" / said. II am content to re-
main grateful, to count this red letter
day, because somehow, out of the
mystery Of the dark, we have thus
been brought together. An old pro-
fessor used to say all life hinges on
little things, and believe our chance
meeting is going to change both our
lives and for the better"
"You mean you accept me upon
trust?'
Certainly; even as you must accept
me. have no letters of recommends
ton"
She was again looking directly to-
ward me, her brown eyes earnest and
fearless.
IL am afraid you will not under
stand. You can scarcely appreciate
how strictly l have been brought up
or what such an unconventional meet
ing as this means to me. ought to be
ashamed Of myself"
But are your
Really IL do not seem to be. It
almost frightens me to realize am
not. do not understand myself at
all. Why should talk thus frankly
with you? Why feel confidence in
you? 1t is not in accordance with the
rules of my old life nor Of my nature.
Such actions would shock those who
know me- They ought to shock me.
Am in dream from which am go
ing to awaken presently? Is that the
explanation?
shook my head.
mo. You have only been thrown
against the real world. You find it
not to be what you supposed. It is no
cause for shame or regret. Woman
hood lies deeper than any pretense at
gentility. Men seldom fail to recog-
nize this fact. Their lives Of struggle
compel them to, but a woman finds It
hard to understand"
ITO understand what?''
How any man meeting her as l
have youth the street at night, under
conditions society would frown at
can still feel for her profound re-
spect and pay her the Difference which
q gentleman must always extend to
one he deems worthy
For a long moment she did not
speak, but withdrew her hand from
beneath mine, resting her chin in its
palm. 8sS
What is your name = she asked
finally.
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