The bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-08-11

lawson she was saying Indignantly.
can't l have little amusement with
the only eligible man left In town."
10 you consider it amusement to
ruin mans happiness and break his
hearth" asked Esther.
"Oh, mems hearts are not so easily
broken" Laura answered. "He thinks
ne Is irresistible, that middle-aGed
man of over forty, and l am going to
teach him little lesson which he
sorely needs.
Il have been leading him on and to-
night l expect he will call, and little
encouragement will soon bring him to
the proposing point. And then shall
rise and say, Thank you, sir, for the
honor you propose to do me, but l am
not taking any"
Laura exclaimed Miss Rogers in
horror. Then, with rising indignation,
Il think 1t Is dreadful of you to pro-
pose to break good mans heart in
that way, and l don't want to know
any more about it."
II believe you're after him yourself,
Esther" sailed Laura, mockingly. But
Esther walked past Charles in the
darkness, so near that she almost
brushed him, and he heard her con-
vulsive sobbing as she went by.
Charles waited few moments, but
In those moments he experienced one
Of those revulsions of feeling that turn
love into bitter hatred. And then,
having regained his self control, he
went forward into the garden. Miss
Dean!" he called.
"Why, is that you, Mr.. Dawson"
called Laura's voice out Of the dark.
ness. II was hoping you would call
tonight. Do come and sit down be-
side me, won't you, and tell me about
the West"
Charles Dawson sat down on the
seat. He could just see Laura's white
dress.
He cleared his throat. 1.-THE fact is,
I came to speak quite seriously to
you, Miss Dean," he said. 1T Is
subject have thought over for long
time. Now there is the one question
in my mind, and must ask it."
"What is it?" asked Laura, softly.
Il am in love-" said Charles, taking
her hand in his. "And haven't the
courage to ask her."
Faint heart never won fair lady,"
said Laura, letting her hand rest in
his. "Who is she? But let me see If
can guess. l should say-well, Esther
Rogers"
you've hit it first time," answered
Charles.
Lauras hand leaped out Of his.
"Wh-what?" she stammered.
1T Is Esther Rogers, and have
loved her all my life," said Charles.
DO you think 1 am worthy Of her?
DO you think there is any chance for
me?"
"Oh, yes" said Laura, Historically.
Il suppose so. You are of an age, you
see," she added venomously.
"Then I shall ask her." said Charles,
rising. "Of course, man with my in
come has to be careful whom he asks.
So many women have mercenary in
clinations in this age. There are lots
of the young girls about here who
would Jump at me-but I'm not taking
any,"
"How dare you, Mr.. Dawson!" be-
gan Laura, rising. too. DO you dare
to insinuate that l."
"Oh, no, indeed; you misunderstood
me-" answered Charles. "I-but per-
haps I made an unfortunate state
ment. Good-evening."
And, raising his hat, he left Laura
in collapse upon the bench and made
his way leisurely to Esther's house.
His heart was singing, for he knew
now that youth turns to youth and
middle-age to middle-age; and he
knew, too, that his love for Esther,
deep in his heart, had been the guild
ing star Of his life.
Esther, standing in the living room,
looked at him piteously when he came
In. She could hardly restrain the
tears that came into her eyes. She
had resolved to 60 away, never to see
him again. ). What was he saying?
She looked incredulously at him;
she felt his arms about her and her
own heart beating; and then the long,
long waiting was merged into the
happy now.