Putnam patriot., 1915-01-08
CHAPTER III.

A NNAt& A7atA tt tf&AtNe NA'Af
 n world was just a beautiful
 playground l never dreamed what it really means to be hungry and homeless. to be alone among strangers. l had read of such things. but they never seemed real or possible. But l know it all now: all the utter loneli ness of great c!:s. Why it is easier to fall than to stand, and, oh. l was so desperate tonight. ll actually be lieYe l had come to the very end of the struggle. Whatever happens whatever possibly can happen to me hereafter-l 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 poieeF
 Well. that is long story" replied hesitafingly "l had been talking with some men inside who had offered me work and good pay. There was req son why did not wish to be seen coming out at that hour"
 ''Not-not anything eriminal?"
 '.No: I've confessed to being good for nothing. but I'm clear of crime"
 She drew long breath of relief.
 "l do not quite believe" she said srlnly "Non-yeu do not look like that"
 laughed in spite of my efforts.
 T 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 l have nothing else to offer"
 sPerhaps | have no more.
 "l 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 worIdY'
 Yours, of course. know the other already"
 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.
 "I have no desire to pry into your secret" l said. "I 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 lessor 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 rust?"
 Certainly; even as you must accept me I have no letters of recommenda- tion"
 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 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 I--I do not seem to be- It almost frightens me to realize l am not. | do not understand myself at all. Why should l talk thus frankly with you? Why feel confidence in you? It 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 10 shock me Am | in dream from which am go- ing to awaken presently? Is that the explanation?
 l shook my head.
 No. You have only been thrown against the real world. You find it not to be what you supposed. It Is DO 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 1t hard to understand
 ITO understand whaty'
 How any man meeting her as l have you-in the street at night. under conditions society wouis frown at can still feel for her profound re Spect and pay her the difference which d 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.
 What is your nsmeT she asked