The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1916-07-29
CHAPTER xvIiI-continued.

How often is that?''
The thing should make about sixty
eight disks miaute-a little more
than one second"
And you're close to it?'
"Oh. the workman has TO sit in its
lap he said. turning to her more
gayiy. 1.-The others don't mind. You
see, it's something wrong with me.
have an idiotic way of ffnching from
the COMPOUNDED thing-I finch and
duck a little every time the crash
comes, and I couldn't get over it.
was a treat to the other workmen in
that room; they'll be glad to see me
back. They used to laugh at me all
day long"
Mary's gaze was averted from Bibbs
now; she sat with her elbow resting on
the arm of the chair. her lifted hand
pressed against her cheek She was
staring at the wall. and her eyes had
q burning brightness in them.
"It doesn't seem possible anyone
could do that to you" she said. in a
low voice. mo. He's not kind He
ought to be proud to help you to the
leisure to write books; it should be his
greatest privilege to have them pub
1lSned FOR you
Cant you see him?" Bibbs inter
rupted, a faint ripple of hiiarlty in his
voice. mo. It's just as we'll he never
got the But what's the use? I've
never written anything worth print
ing, and never shall"
You couidr' she said.
THAT'S because you've never seen
the poor little things I've tried to do
You wouldn't let me. but know
you could! All. LISA pityr'
ct isn't said Bibbs. honestly. 'T
never couId-but you're the kindest
lady in this world Miss Vertrees."
She gave him flashing glance. and
1t was as kind as he said she was
THAT sounds wrong" she said, i'm
pulsively. 81 mean Miss Vertrees.'
I've thought of you by your first name
ever since | met you. Wouldn't you
rather cali me 'Mary'P'
Bibbs was dazzIed: he drew a long.
deep breath and did not speak.
"WouIdn't you?" she asked, without
trace of coquetry.
If CAM he said. in a low voice.
"Ah. that's . very prettyw she
son, it's pleasant to have you gallant
sometimes. by way of variety" She
became grave again Immediately "I
hear myself laughing as If it were
someone else. 1t sounds like laughter
on the eve OF a great calamity" She
got up restlessly. crossed the room and
leaned against the wall. facing him.
you've got to go back to that placer
He nodded.
And the other time you did it.
Just over It" said Bibbs. 1.-TWO
years. But don't mind the prospect
of repetition so much as"
$50 much as what?" she prompted
as he stopped.
Bibbs looked up at her shyly. 81
want to say it, but-but come to q
dead balk when I try. l."
go on Say. 1t, whatever 1t is
she babe him. you wouldn't know
how to say anything I shouldn't like
81 doubt If you'd either like or dis
like what want to say he returned
mOy ing uncOmfortabIy in his chair ant
looking at his feet-he seemed to fee
awkward, thoroughly. "You see, al
my lIfe-until | met you-if / eve
felt like saying anything. wrote it In
stead. Saying things is new tricI
for me- and this-Hell, it's Just this
I used to feel as IL [ hadn't ever hat
any sort OF a life at ALI I'd neve
been of use TO anything or anybody
and I'd never had anything, myself
except q kind OF haphazard tEinkins
But now Its diHerent-f'm still of q
use TO anybody. and | don't see an
prospect OF being useful. but hav
had something for myself I've ha
a Beautiful and happy experience, an
1t makes my life seem TO BEL mea
I'm glad I've lived It! That's all; it
your letting me be near you sometime.
as you have, this strange, beautiful
happy little whileg'
He did not once look up. and reache
etience. at the end OF what be had |
&aE. Wlth sye. st[l swkWsrdlE rexaF.