The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1916-10-12
CHAPTER III-contInued.

II didn't have any money to speak
of, but had some jewelry-my moth
er's-and he was to take that and
pawn 1t for money to get married
with"
II see."
The girl in her turn went to one of
the windows, standing with her back
to the room. Whitaker drew a chair
for her and took seat little dis
tance away, with a keen glance ap-
praising the change In her condition.
She seemed measurably more conn
posed and mistress of her emotions,
though he had to judge mostly by her
voice and manner, so dark was the
room.
"Don'tp she cried sharply. "Please
don't look at me So"
II beg your pardon. 1 didn't mean
to-"
.It's only-only that you make me
think Of what you must be thinking
about me-"
you've had a narrow but a won
derfulIy lucky escape"
"Ohl But I'm not glad &.
I was desperate"
81 mean" he interrupted coolly,
.'from Mr.. Morton. The silver lining
IS, you're not married to q black
guard"
"Oh, yes. yesl" she agreed passion
ately.
"And you have youth, health, years
of life before your
He sighed inaudIbly
''You wouldn't say that, If you under
stood"
''Have you thought of going home? ?
Have you written to your father-ex-
plainedT'
II sent him special delivery three
days ago, and-and yesterday a tele-
gram. knew 1t wouldn't do any good,
but I (. told him everything. He
didn't answer. He won't, ever"
She bent forward, elbows on knees,
head and shoulders cringing.
ut hurts sol" she walled &.
"what people will think the
shame, the bitter, bitter shame of
thisi I've earned my punishment"
"Oh, say"
but / have, because-because 1
didn't love him. / didn't love him at
oil, and knew 1t, even though meant
TO marry him. ."
''But, why--in Heavens nameT
because / was so lonely and =.
misunderstood and unhappy at home.
No mother, never daring to see my
sister (she ran away, too) my
friendships at school discouraged
nothing In life but my father to bully
me and make cruel fun of me because
I'm not pretty. That's why /
ran away with a man didn't love
because wanted freedom and little
happiness"
Good Lord 2" he murmured beneath
HIS breath, awed by the pitiful, childish
simplicity Of her confession and the
deep damnation that had waited upon
her.
$50 it's over 7" she cried-"over, and
I've learned my lesson, and I'm dis
eraccd forever, and friendless and"
"Stop right there !" he checked her
roughly. you're not friendless yet,
and that nullifies all the rest. Be
htHN NNuFe uau your 1OLuhuCb hhu
learned your lesson"
please don't think I'm not grateful
for your Kindness" she interrupted.
but the disgrace--that can't be blot
ted outp
"Oh. yes it can" ne insisted bluntly.
There's n way I know"
A glimmering Of that way had only
that instant let a little light In upon
the darkness Of his solicltous distress
FOR her. He rose and began to walk
and think. hands closped behind him,
trying 70 make what he had In mind
seem right and reasonable.
"You mean beg my father to take
me back. III die hrstr
There mustn't be any more talk.
Or even any thought. Of anything like
that. J understand too well TO ask the
impossible Of you. But there Is one
way out-a perfectly right way-if
you're willing and brave enough to
take chance-a long chance"
Somehow she seemed to gnin hope
Of bis tone She sat up following him