The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1916-02-11

He spoke at last in hoarse, tremulous
voice so unnatural that it frightened her.
"You dared to disobey mel
81 dared to be happy"
: Her reply staggered him for moment.
z $50 you're happy, he said jealousy.
A light stole up her face--the reflection OF
a Joy too deep for words; an expression at
once practical and ideal, Transforming her
from the tirnid girl, fower-ike In her slender
grace and beauty, into courageous, self
poised woman.
Happier than in all my life before"
As soon as she had spoken the words she
realized that they might hold a.sting. She
fastened to say:
"You see-he's wonderful"
"You're deluded girl. IF Robert I'M
derwood is like his father-and used to
think his father wonderful-he has been
playing tricks with your imagination. You
had always too much imagination - and
too little common-sense, Felice. You've
slipped into an impossible situation, but
my hand is strong enough to lift you out of
it. Sit down at the desk"
She did not move. Her eyes entreated
him, but she remained silent.
"Sit down. I'll dictate note to Under
IL. L
That you couldn't help, though l should
have warned your chaperon. But it was
gross insult to your father to permit his at
tentions. Where did he court your Have
you been carrying on clandestine ro-
mance?"
He has called here many times. We
have been perfectly open"
Perfectly open! He called when was
downtown, suppose. Perfectly openl but
you never spoke of him"
"I was afraid of you," she answered
frankly. but when I knew Robert cared
for Newell, I was still afraid, but had
courage enough to come to you"
He did not meet her eyes.
"Sit down at this desk"
"No, Father"
He frowned.
"You will not give him upa"
Chow can I? love him."
He gazed at her for moment in strained
silence.
"Don't you know I'd rather see you any
thing than the wife of Richard Underwood's
son? I'd rather see you one of those women
who speak in the public streets and more I
can't say"
'There are noble women among them,"
she answered warmly.
"I know you're tinctured with strange
notions. God knows where you got them;
but repeat, I'd rather see you in mob of
the streets than in that family"
Tears sprang for the first time to her eyes.
"How can you go on hating all these
years." she cried, mo matter what Rob
ert's father did to you. And you were
friends once-untl you became his enemy.
You go to church; you believe in forgiving
people. Can't you forgive him? Perhaps
you can't forgive yourself she added bit
terly.
He stared at her, his breath coming
thickly.
You talk like silly girl. You know
nothing of mems codes. Some things can't
be forgiven without loss of self-respect.
Now, sit down, like sensible woman-and
I'll tell you what to say. You'll soon for
get it all. Well travel-we'n go to Europe
next summer"
She looked at him, as if he were speaking
a strange tongue.
There's no need to write. Robert Is in
the drawing-room now, waiting to speak to
you. He wanted to see you first, but in
sisted on preparing the way. Let him come
In. Let him speak for himself"
Hugh Burton regarded her silently. She
seemed a stranger to him, so accustomed
was he to her complete acceptance of his
wishes.
That young man dares to be here on
such an errandl"
He's not a coward, Father"
Nor gentleman. Well, have him
come up. I'll speak to him-and I'll not
waste words"
She turned to leave the room.
No, ring the bell for maid. want no
private interview between YOU"
A servant appeared. Felice spoke before
her father could give his orders.
A minute later figure appeared in the
doorway, a young man of erect, alert bear
ing. with clean-cut features and kindly eyes
that, lover-like, at once sought Felice's
Hugh Burton, confronted with the son of
his old friend, had moments misgiving;
for it seemed to him as if Richard Under
wood himself stood there Robert had the
same broad brow, the same firm mouth. the
same expectant look. But the vision Of a
lost comradeship and a lost faith vanished
as soon as it was born. He was back, def