Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-11-09
he said nothing. she glanced FUR


when l went TO the Waldorf, the first
person 1 met was Max. Of course l
had TO tell him what had happened.
and then he threw himself upon my
compassion. 1t seems that losing me
had put him in the most terrible
trouble about money, He was short.
and he couldn't get the backing he
needed without ne, his call upon my
services, by way Of assurance to his
hackers. And l began to think.
knew I didn't love you honestly. Hugh.
and that life With you would be a lfy-
ing lie. What right had I TO deceive
you that way, just TO crafty my love
of being loved? And especially # by
doing that I ruined Max. the man to
whom, next to you, l owed every
thing? I couldn't do il. Eut I took
time to think it over-truly I did. I
really did so to a sanatorium, and
rested there while I turned the whole
matter over carefully in my mind, and
nt length reached my decision to stick
by Max and let you go. free to win the
heart of q woman worthy of YOU"
She paused again, but stfIlshe was
mute and immobile
$50 now you know me-what I am
No other man has ever known or ever
viii. But I had to tell you the truth.
1t seems that the only thing my career
had left Uncalloused was my funda-
mental sense of honesty. So I had
to come and tell you"
And still he held silence, attentive,
but With 4 set face that betrayed moth
ing of Che tenor of his thoughts.
Almost timidly, with nervously fun
bling fingers, she extracted from her
pocketbook small ticket envelope.
Max was afraid you might upset
the performance again, as you did on
my last appearance, Hugh" she said;
but / assured him it was just the
shock of recognizing you that bowled
me over. SO I've brought you a box
for tomorrow night. I want you to
use it-you and Mr.. Ember."
He broke in with a curt monosyl-
liable: "Why?"
"Why-Why because-beCaUse want
you-I suppose it's simply my vanity
to see me act. Perhaps Nou'u feet q
little less hardly toward me if you see
that I am really q great actress, that
I give you up for something bigger
than Just love"
"What rot!" he said with an odd,
short laugh Besides, / harbor no
resentment"
She stared, losing a little color, eyes
darkPning with apprehension.
81 did hope you'd come" she muir
INJURED.
cob, I'll come" he said with spirit.
'syTild horses couldn't keep me away"
Really, Hugh? And you don't
mind? Oh, I'm so glad!'
81 really don't mind" he assured her
with a strange smile. 'But .
would you mind excusing me one mo-
mcnt? I've forgotten something very
important"
"Why, certainly :"
He was already at the telephone in
the hallway, just beyond the living
room door. Tt was impossible to escape
overhearing his words. The woman
listened perforce with, in the begin
ming, & little visible wonder, then with
establishment, ultimately with a con
Gtcrnation that shook her with violent
tremb1ings.
Hello" said Whitaker; get me
Rector tw0-twO-hundrod.
"IIouo? Rector two-two-hundred?
North German Lloyd? This is
Mr.. Il. NJ Whitaker. I teIeph0ned
Won fifteen minutes ago about reser-
walton on the George Washington,
sailing Saturday Yes.
YES. Yes I promised to call
for the ticket before noon, but now
find ! sla'n't be able to go. Will you
be kind enough to cancel it, if you
please, Thank you.
Go0dby."
Put when he turned back into the
living room he found awaiting him a
Quicl and collected woman.
"Wiy did you do that?" she asked
evenly,
"Bccauso,' said Whitaker, I've had
my eyes opened. I've been watching
rhc finest living actress play a care
fully rchcarscd role, one that she had
given long study and all her heart to
hUt her Interpretation didn't ring true.
Mary. admit, at first you got me: /
believed you meant what you said
Eiut only my mind believed it; my
heart knew better, just as it has at
ways known better, all through this
Urctched time Of doubt ard misery
and separation you've subjected US
both to. And that was why / couldn't
trust myself to answer you; for if /
had, / should have laughed for toy.
q Mary, Mary!" he cried his voice
softening. my dear dear woman, you'll
can't lie to love! You betray yourself
in every dear word that would be
heartless, in every adorable gesture
that wouId scent final! And love
knows better always. :. Of course |
shall he in that box tomorrow night !
Of course shall be there to witness
your triumph! And after you've WOE
it, dear l shall carry you off with !
me >"
He opened his arms wide, but with !
q sm0thered cry she backed away, /
placing the table between them.
"NO!" she protested; and the words
were almost sobs-"No!'
"Yes!" he exclaimed exultantly.
eyes! 4 thousand times yes 1t