The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-05-02
.kContinued.)

z5szst She did not watch the last bridge member swung, but went to her room and tried to face the future. Spring was here; her book was finished; there was the need to take up her life again
 She was surprised when Murray came to find her.
 T missed you, Eliza he said 1.-The others are ali down at the river bank. I want you to congratulate me
 She saw with jealous twinge that exultatfon over his victory had over come his weariness, that his face was salight with fro she had never before seen He seemed young, vigorous and masterful once more
 ssOf course,o he went on ssthe credit } belongs to Parker. who worked the bridge out in eash detail-hes marvel4l ous-apd to MeEien. who actually built #. but I helped little. Praise to me means praise to them"
 ~Tt is all over now, isn't it2'' 3 Practically. Blaine has ca b1ed New York that we've won Strictly speak ing. we haven't as yet, for there's still the breakup to faee. But the bridge will come through it without scratch The ice may go out any minute now, and after that can rest He smiled at her gladi It will feel good to get rid of all this responsibility, won't it9 think you've suffered under it as much as haye.,'
 A little wistfuliy she answered: sfYou're going to realize that dream you told me about the day of the storm at Kyak. You have conquered this great country-as you dreamed-'' He acquiesced eagerly. boyish1y. seYes. Whfrring wheels, q current Of trafEic, broad highway of steel that's the sort of monument want to leave = Some time I'll come back and see 1t all completed and tell myself that had little part in making it -''
 '.Con1e back?'' he queried. Why, you're going to stay till we're through, aren't you ?''
 2 .'oh, no. I'm going south with the spring hight-on the next boat per- haps.
 His face fell; the exultant light grad uaIIy faded from his eyes. stsstHYhy, | had no idea! Aren't you happy here?'
 She nodded. tBut I must try to make good in my work as you have in yours. 2
 He was looking at her sorrbwfully, almost as if she had deserted him. That's too bad, butt suppose you must go. Yes, this is no place for you I 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. It would not be right to ask you to stay here among such people as we are when you have so much ahead of you. Still, it will leave a gap. Yes, it certainly wi.l-Ieave gap.''
 She longed desperately to tell him how willingly she would stay if he only asked her, but the very thought shocked her into deeper reserve.
 I'm going east to sch my book , she said stif1y. seYou've given me the eli max of the story in this race with the seasons"
 ssIs it a-loye story?'' be asked.
 Eliza flushed. sYes. It's mostly love"
 s.You,re not at all the girl thought you were when we first met You're very-diferent- Pm sure won't rec ognize myself as the hero. Ivho-or what is the girl in the story
 Well, she's just the kind of girl that would appeal to person like you. She's tall and dark and dashing. and. of course, she's remarkably beautiful She's very feminine too.'
 What's her naneY'
 Miss Appleton stamnered, "Why-I called hae violet-uDtl I could think of a better
 Whats wrong with Violet? You couldn't think of a better name than that Pm fond of it.
 "Oh, it's a good book name, but for real life it's too-delicate." Eliza felt with vexation that her face was burn ing She was sure he was laughing at her.
 Cant I read the n1anuscript2'' he pleaded.
 Heavens: No! I''- She changed the subject abruptly. 'eI'ye left word to be called tie minute the ice starts to go out. I want to see the last act of the drama
 When OsNeil left her he was vaguely perpIexed, for something in her bear ing did not seem quite natural He was forlorn, too, at the prospect of 1os- ing her. He wondered if fathers suf- fered thus, or if a lover could be more deeply pained at a parting than he. Somehow he seemed to share the feel ings of both: