Williams news., 1917-04-19

WlCn the excuse that ne udu luiSiaiu his hat, Vandervyn returned to the dining room. When he came out, he shut the door. Marie was alone in the parlor. All the suppressed fire of his passion famed in his face, as he turned and came swiftly back to the waiting girl. There could be no doubt that he expected her to meet him half way.
 She stood beside a chair, somewhat pale, but outwardly very calm. She did not advance a single step. Yet, blinded by his own ardor, he came on without needing the look in her face until within arm's-reach of her. Then at last he perceived her lack of re- sponse, and stopped.
 q sayI' he exclaimed. "What's the matter? Is this the way to welcome me back, sweetheart?"
 The term of endearment brought quick blush into the girls cheeks. But she replied in cold, even tones: Are you now at liberty to address me as your fiancee?"
 His eyes Shifted before her level gaze. Don't be foolish, Marie. You know you're the only woman. You know that engagement must stand un- til we are sure of the mine. There is something else, as we'll"
 'This is quite enough for the pres ent," she broke in. q promised to wait for you until you should come back-free from your cousin. You have returned, but you are not free from her. Is it honorable for you to speak to me now?"
 "How can I help it?" he urged, seek ing to melt her with his ardent gaze. You are the only woman-the only one in all the world to me. There is not another half as beautiful, a tenth as charming!"
 She quivered in response to the deep, golden notes of his voice, yet held her self firm with all the strength of her :esolute will.
 You speak of love-" she rejoined. You say nothing of marriage"
 "How can F" he asked in an az grieved tone. You know that until we get the mine But that won't be ong now. These commissioners are lumping-jacl,s in the hands of my un- cle. They will hustle matters through for us-short order. Once I-we-get he mine, I'll be a free man, and then, sweetheart-"
 But the girl drew back from his pleading arms.
 "No," she said. eff I must wait, so must you. If you mean what you say, YOU should be satisfied that still feel [ may have to wait"
 "You mean-what?" he stammered.
 She clenched her hands convulsively. Why did you come first? Why could not have known him first?"
 'I see," he muttered. "It's that that tin soldier"
 "Yes, it is-that gentleman '" she dashed back. Again the slender finger nails cut into her palms.
 ''Nice fatherly old fogyi" sneered Vandervyn. You're far too much alive, 100 much of real woman, to mistake 1our feeling toward him for love. Love! that's the word, sweetheart youth and love and happiness! You and I, sweetheart!' !''
 She blushed and trembled. But she lad spent all the days of his absence n that intimate comradeship with Hardy. At the moment when Wander Vyn thought to take her into his arms, ler will rallied, her eyes hardened with resolution.
 T have said that will wait. That s enough. You also shall wait."
 His eyes narrowed. Has it never occurred to you that you may be a bit too sure of me? The mine may pinch put after the first few hundred thou sands. I'm in on another deal that stands to net a cool million. When I get that in bank, can have any girl choose to go after"
 'If I had ten times a million, and could buy you character like his, I would gladly pay it all-all!''
 The slash of whip in his face would have stung him far less. He stared at ler a long moment, while the full meaning of the words cut through the arnor of his self-esteem. Modification, anger, furious chagrin famed in his lace. He raised his hand as if to strike her, and instead, whirled about and rushed out through the porch.
 The girl sank on her knees, and pressed her hands to her lips to stif1e he cry that would have called him pack. When she looked up, her face vas white and drawn with anguish. But she had conquered.
 "He shall not-shal not know my weakness !" she whispered with fierce determination. eff only it has offend I'd him beyond forgiveness! If only le may go away-forever! I might ,e able to forget him-in time!
 HIADTEP XHyIII