Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1916-12-21
CHAPTER XIII.
Eliza's Feelings Chanae.

Appleton had watched every
~ phase with intensest interest,
but when at last she knew that
the battle was won she experienced a
peculiar revulsion or feeling. So long
as O'Neil had been working against
odds. with the prospect of ruin and
failure forever Imminent. she had felt
an almost painful sympathy. but now
that he had conquered she felt timid
about congratulating him. He was no
longer to be pitied and helped. lie had
attained his goal and the fame he long
ed for. His success would inevitably
take him out of her life She was very
sorry that he needed her no longer.
She did not watch the last bridge
member swung. but went 10 her room
and tried to face the future. Spring
was here her book was finished; there
was the need 10 take up her life again
She was surprised when Murray
came 10 find her
II missed you. Eliza" he said The
others are all down at the river bank
| want you TO congratulate me"
She saw. with n jealous twinge. that
exultation over his victory had over
come his WEAKNESS. that his face was
alight with a fire she had never before
seen. He seemed young. vigorous and
masterful once more
"Of course" he went ON. the credit
belongs 10 Parker. who worked the
bridge out in each detail-he's marvel.
ous-and TO Mellen. who actually built
IT, but | helped little Praise 10 mo
means praise 10 them"
1t is all over now. isn't it,"
practically. Blaine has ca bled New
York that we've won Strictly speak
Ing we haven't a. get. for there's stin
the breakup 10 face But the bridge
will come through it without scratch
Tho ice may 20 out any minute now.
and after that ! can rest" He smiled
az ncr gladly 1T will feel good to get
tid Of an this responsibility. won't IT.
i hhk you've suffered under il rs
uneh ais ! have"
little wistfullY she answered
You're going 10 realize that dream
you told me about the day OF the
storm at Kyak. You have conquered
this great country YOU dreamed"
lie acquiesced eagerly. boyishly.
..lc> Whirring wheels. a current Of
traffic. a broad highway of steel-that's
The sort Of monument | want to leave
Some time III come back and see il
an completed and tell myself that
Il "a "a. s,, tf4f ,,., ~
Come back" he queried. why.
you're going TO stay till we're through
aren't you?"
oh no! I'm going south with the
spring hight--on the next boat per
haps.
His face fell; the exultant light grad
ually faded from his eyes.
why. / had no idea, Aren't YOU
happy here
She nodded. But must try to
make good in my work as you have in
yours
He was looking at her sorrowfully.
almost rs il she had deserted him.
That's too bad, but suppose YOU
must 90. Yes. this is no place for you
| dare say other people need you to
bring sunshine and joy to them just
as we old fellows do. but-I've never
thought about your leaving. II would
not be right TO ask YOU to stay here
among such people as we are when
Won have so much ahead OF you. still
it will leave "A gap Yes, it certainly
will--leave a gap.
She longcd desperately 10 tell him
how willingly she would stay If lie
only asked her, but the very thought
shocked her into deeper reserve.
I'm going east 10 sell my book, she
said ~tiilly. You've given me the eli
max OF the story in this race with the
seasons"
us it love story he asked.
LILA flushed. Yes It's mostly
lo1c.
You're NOT at all the girl thought
you were when we first met You're
rcD an rent I'm sure won't rec
a-uap ly eli as the hero. who or
what the girl III the story
We'll. She just the kind Of girl that
would appeal to person like YOU
She.S tal and dark and dashing. and.
=uf coarsr sac.S remarkably beautiful
shes very feminine too
WHAT'S her numeW
Miss Appleton stammered. why
called her Violet until could think
IF better
Nv hats wrong with Violet You
couldn't think OF better name than
that. I'm fond Of IL
oh, it's a good book name. bur for
real life it's too-delicate. Eliza felt
with yexation that her face was burn
ing. She was sure lie was laughing nj
her.
Cant | read the manuscript" hc
pleaded.
"Heavensl Nol r. She changed
the subject abruptly i've left word
to be called the minute the ice starts TO
go out. ! want 10 see the last act Of
the drama
Ito be Continued)