River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1914-11-05
Sorry for the scene. colonel.

open committee scarcely think
there's any use in my remaining long
er. I'll have to be getting away in
moment. if you'll be SO good as to
overlook my eating and running I've
got several matters on
Gethelds nodded and glanced al
Bernice. who rose. The party left the
table. Gotz made his adieus> at once
and Harold declared that he would go
with him. While they were leaving
Meade. sick at heart and burning with
| the realization of the scene be had ere
ated. turned into the library. wrapped
a handkerchief about his bleeding fln-
ger and sank into a chair.
There Gethelds found him some mo
ments later
MY boy my boyT' said the colonel
laying hand upon his shoulder. I'm
sorry. can't tell you how sorry
Meade. that this should have come to
you here I'm afraid it spoils all your
plans too"
Don't, sir" muttered Meade thick
! ly II know what I've done. and ]
want to apologize. But couldn't en-
dure his taunts. his insults Of my
father"
AS be ceased and clinched his hands
in gesture of restrained passion the
door opened, and Bernice appeared
rs Mr. Stillman hereY she began
and caught sight of the tense figure.
II want him. dad, If | can have him
for awhile" she finished.
Meade rose in silence and followed
her to the hall and along it to moon
flooded porch. where were wicker ia
bles and chairs Not until they were
seated did he speak 81 shouldn't think
you would ever want to even SO much
as see me again. he said in miserable
self abegnation.
81 think it was splendidr' the girl
declared
splendid? 1t was the trick Of
boor to make a scene like that at the
table Of my hosts Well. I'm only a
wild man. Miss Gethelds. and, like all
wild men. | know better how to fight
than to purr"
Women like fighters. you know. MT
Stillman." she said softly. mo real
man would have sat longer under that
mans insults"
way" replied Meade. And all | can
do is to humbly apologize.
Harold tried to steer ME converse
tion," Bernice continues Poor Har-
old. He rather precipitated the trou-
BILE, l fear, by his very badly timed
attempt to bait Congressman Gotz"
Harold seems queer fellow. Who
is he?" asked Meade.
Miss Gethelds laughed. "Just a
spoiled darling" she made answer
Hes an awfully nice boy, but he's
the last of the branch of the family
money smothers his initiative And
now, Mr.. Stillman, want you to do
something for me-"
Anything be promised quickly.
"Tell me all about yourself and your
father and your life in the west. How
is your hand?"
"a mere scratch had forgotten all
about it,
Don't you mind painY Bernlce
queried.
mot when have a grea ter-inside."
She nodded THAT is why you should
talk" she murmured softly THAT Is
why | brought you out here knew.
A woman feels things like that Speak
to me as to a friend, Mr. Stilman,
| please. And forget what happened to-
night"
She leaned back In her wicker loung-
ing chair and clasped her bare arms
! behind her head. The moon touched
her ruddy crown Of hair with us-
trous softness, made pools of mystery
out Of her eyes. threw her shoulders
and upper bust into a soft, alluring
whiteness before the eyes Of the man.
And because he was very young and
very natural and human, and because
he was wounded in his pride, he spoke
his soul to her. He spoke bitterly at
the rebuff he had received and what it
would mean to his father
/ When he had finished Bernice IN
linked her fingers, put down an arm
and laid her hand across his. Poor
boy" she said softly. "The barb struck
deep, see. | am sorry-yes, really.
/ But don't be bitter. After all it is men
like your father and mine, and your
self, who must save the nation if dan
ger ever threatens. 1t isn't your coun
try which hurts you tonight. but one Of
your country's misfortunes. Forget the
barb and think of the nation"
Meade nodded.
For moment be could not speak
The soft, warm palm covering his hand
seemed to his high fancy the accolade
of queen. 1.-The hurt will pass" be
spoke after bit, from a swelling heart.
II shall go home. Tonight spelled the
! ruin of my mission. Gotz will fight me
now from personal basis. Well-Pll
| go home and live on with dad till he
no longer needs me- Then. perhaps.