Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-04-30

VIE. Inc intimacy between them was
the stronger because no word of love
had ever been spoken.
Six months after Clay's twelve
month had begun the end was in
sight.
It's all up with US. Miss Marstoh.'
said John. We've done our best, but
Rea & Co. are going to sue us. Now
we'll have to get out as best We can.
Will you please take letter from
dictation?"
And he dictated letter which went
sorely against the grain. He offered
Maclntyre the secret and the entire
right to manufacture the product OF
his factory for ten thousand dollars
See that it goes off by tonight's
mail, Miss Marston, please" he said.
He watched the girl stamp and seal
the missive and place 1t in her bas-
ket. And the knowledge that all was
over inspired him with relief that was
stronger than his sorrow.
Miss Marston, what would you
say to a little jaunt in an auto to-
morrow" he asked. I'VE might cele-
brate the end of my fortunes by TAX
ing a run out to Newbury and lunch
ing there"
Very WE'LL" said Miss Marston,
raising her head and looking him in
the face. Clay was amazed to see
tears in her eyes. Did she care so
much, then?
1t was a very quiet drive the follow
ing morning, through hedgerows gay
with spring flowers. They found a
little, old-fashioned inn, where they
ate lunch, and afterward they sat un'
der the shade of big tree upon lit.
tie rustic seat.
has meant to me?"
She nodded without answering him.
Il want to tell you" he continued,
taking her hand, that have felt for
a long time that wanted you for my
wife. 1t was my intention to ask
you after the year. But now, as q
failure, do not know that l am JUS
tilted in asking you; for that ten
thousand and what l have left will
only cover my Indebtedness. l am q
beggar."
Suddenly he perceived that the girl
was shaking with sobs. He drew her
into his arms and let her rest her face
against his shoulder.
will you wait for me till l have
done something, till am justified In
asking you, dear?" he asked.
She sprang out of his arms and
faced him. Listen, john" she began.
Il am wholly unworthy of you. II
you only knew what have tried to
gather courage to tell you for SO long.
l came to you with forged recon-
mendations. was hired by Mac
Intyre to find out your secret. l did
it because l wanted my mother to
have the comforts to which she had
been accustomed in her old age"
But you didn't betray the secret"
said John quietly.
mo! A thousand times no. / told
MacIntyre that would repay him
the FIVE hundred dollars he had ad'
vanced me. l couldn't betray you aft
er had realized what dreadful
scheme had undertaken. But now
l can make amenis by telling you
this. MacIntyre is at his wits end.
He has been living On his capital, too.
He has spent everything he has, and
if you hold out one month longer he
will be at your mercy. And SO T.
l didn't post that letter, because
l meant to tell you today. Now let
me go!" 5
But John Clay held her tightly and
raised her head and looked into her
eyes.
"Hilda," he said, Il have the more
faith in you because you tried to do
what was foreign to your nature, and
failed. You spoke just now of max
ing amends. But you haven't made
them. You can only make them in one
way. l want you to do it in that way.
Will you, dear?"
She nodded mutely, and he kissed
away her tears.