The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-06-18
,g. will bring II here" he ex-

testing, will bring It here" he ex-
planned.
There was a knock on the door. and
to admit Arthur varney. Alden sig
nailed to the two women TO maintain
secrecy. as he rose to bow stiffy toward
the newcomer.
varney bore In mis- arms large bunch
his eyes were drawn with Jealous CLINT
| toward the bouquet on the table.
II am so sorry you are Ill. my dear
girl. i haven't slept a wink, worrying
over. you. l do hope you are better.
tell you-and in confidence"
Alden caught the hint, and smiled to-
ward Mrs. Maynard.
Let's you and talk condolences, too.
Mrs. Maynard" he suggeseed.
M'Ta %sth'r as tss iSSnsh Nc Ne
sooner were they out of the library
when Varney rushed angrily toward the
who sent you theser' he demanded.
ast tr rSn the w %st the 'a sya.ve
words. You know, Arthur, I have a
right to my friends. Haven't IT,
Yes, but Myra-you are letting this
man como between us. I see his name
here. His flowers are more appreciated
than mine. Remember. you have prom
Used to marry met
The girls eyes flashed as she followed
his look to the sparkling solitaire on her
other hand and removed II with a jerk.
Here. Arthur! We are no longer en-
gagged. We have been both of us labor
ing under a terrible mistake-a mental
Arthur! I promised you that / would
reconsider. after telling you this same
thing the other day. We are doing
g,nronls by carrying the matter any fur
varney flushed and mopped his brow
nervously. A strange CLEAN fred his
eyes as he turned away for an instant.
He gulped and then faced her once
mS Myrpa lee yoa must no, throw my love
what do you mean by THAR" asked
the girl. II am sick-unto death. Ar
thur: believe my illness is caused by
mont. Ny heart seems to be getting
weaker every hour, but I am afraid 20
tell mother how serious II really is. We
must end our engagement now and for
mot now. Myra. II you have any fair
ness in your heart for me-" Varney
| lowered his voice dramatically. II have
made a great sacrifice for you-tc help
at the whole business. but I have seen
too many proofs that there is some evil.
what, is your sacrifice7" and Myra
leaned forward. Her heart hurt her
| again. She was forced to lie back once
| more: a surprising spasm of pain dis
| torted Varney's face, as though her suf-
| fering stirred some strange echo within
his own. He looked away, before he con-
| tinued: -
For your sake. Myra. I, too, have
| delved into the occult. During the last
few days have obtained old Hindoo
books, and have even gone to some
teachers. to learn more about II. A ter
rible thing happened to me-"
What was IT," Myra could hardly
| believe that the scoffer had so changed
yet there was undeniable candor in his
voice and manner.
IT can't tell you, except to say that
/ tried In very short time to cover the
far"
Arthur, you must tell me. ! am your
not marry" She stretched out her soft
hand sympatheticaily. and he looked
straight into her eyes. the tears sud
| denly springing into his own. TEL me
| Arthur. II l could help you l would
indeed I would! know what II Is to
| suffer in that way
Varney hesitated. and then sat down
rather miserably. 10 surprised Myra,
| who had never seen this expression OF
| hopelessness upon the usually immobilt
face, here was a deepening mystery.
Yes. you have promised TO help me
began the man. "You are the only per.
| son in the world who can save met