The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1916-09-20
CHAPTER iIl-Continued.

IFINr m lli-SOnttnlGO.
81 didn't have any money to speak
of, but rhad 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
lance away, with keen glance ap-
praising the change In her condition.
She seemed measurably more COM
posed and mistress Of her emotions,
though he had to judge mostly by her
voice and manner, so dark was the
room.
"Don'tr' she cried sharply. "PIease
don't look at me so"
Il beg your pardon. l didn't mean
ITS only-only that you make me
think of what you must be thinking
about me"
you've had narrow but a won
derfully lucky escape"
"Oh! But I'm not glad
| was desperate"
81 mean," he interrupted coolly,
from Mr.. Morton. The silver lining
is, you're not married to black
guard"
ooh, yes, yes!' 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
plained?"
Il sent him special delivery three
days ago, and-and yesterday tele-
gram. | knew it wouldn't do any good
but | | told him everything. He
didn't answer. He won't, ever"
She bent forward, elbows on knees,
head and shoulders cringlng.
1T hurts SOL" she walled
what people will think the
shame. the bitter, bitter shame of
this I've earned my punishment"
"Oh, / say"
But / have, becauSe-becauSe
didn't love him. / didn't love him at
all, and | knew it, even though l meant
to marry him. :. :"
But, why-in Heavens name?"
Because | was so lonely and
misunderstood and unhappy at home.
No mother, never daring to see my
sister tshe 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 l wanted freedom and little
happiness"
Good Lord - 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 overt" she cried-"over. and
I've learned my lesson, and I'm dis
graced forever. and friendless and
stop right there!" he checked her
roughly. You're not friendless vet.
and that utilities all the rest. Be
glad you've had your romance and
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 Quit
''Oh. yes, it can" he insisted bluntly.
There's way l know"
A glimmeriug of that way had only
that instant let a little light in upon
the darkness of his solicitous distress
for her He rose and began to walk
and think, hands clasped behind him,
trying to make what he had in mind
seem right and reasonable.
you mean beg my father to take
me back. III die first!'
There mustn't be any more talk,
or even any thought. of anything like
that | 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 gain hope
of his tone. She sat up, following him
with eyes that sought incredulously to
believe.
"Have l any choice?" she asked.
I'm desperate enough
God knows" he said, you'll have
to bei''
TRY me-"
He paused, standing over her.
Desperate enough to marry man
who's bound to die within six months
and leave you free? I'm that man ):
the doctors give me six months more
of life. viii you take my name to
free yourself? Heaven my witness,
you're welcome to it"
"Oh,'' she breathed, aghast, what
are you saying?"