South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-04-14

to May Lovett's grateful words for his own
part in the matter. her thankfulness that her
husbands name was cleared. HIS fingers closed
round the dead mans hand il to wrest
some answer from him. He had given his
Ford to Bobbie-and Bobbie was dead. He
could never release him. How could he break
lis word to his dead friend? Blacken his char
acter. now he was unable TO speak to say
anything in his own defense? Break down
and destroy all that sublime belief in the man
she loved. Of that brave little figure by his
side? 1t was unthinkable. unspeakable II
Margaret could not believe his word without
proof there was nothing to be said. He
must lose her. He did not try to comfort him
self with he thought that If so she would be
unworthy of his love. He wanted her-just as
she was. Mays voice came to him as from
some long distance.
so I have only the boy" she was say
ing. But I'm not going to be a coward. Tony.
I'm going to try and be brave about It. though
It will hurt. II will hurt more and more.
Baby can't make up to me for the loss of
Bobbie But I've got to be father and mother
both. you see I know 1 can count on you,
Tony" He turned and looked at her and for
the first time she smiled. the ghost of her old
needn't say anything"
Anthony's eyes went back again to the quiet
face that gave no sign that seemed so serenely
oblivious to them. For time they stood
there in silence. Suddenly a little cry came
from somewhere above. and May turned.
Baby is awake" she said. Il must co.
Slowly the bitterness. the revolt, died out Of
Anthony's heart He released the cold fingers
he held and moved away. He followed May
out of the room and the childs cry echoed
down to them fretfully. impatiently. as if its
wishes were paramount above all others, life
triumphant over death.
At the hall door he turned to May, and, TAX
ing her in his arms, gently kissed her cheek
He did not offer any pretence Of consolation,
but her eyes filled suddenly at his action and
she chung to him for a second like child.
Good night, dear" he said. 'III come
round first thing in the morning and see to
everything for you. Count on me, dear. Any
thing can do-you konw"-
He broke of, remembering what he had al
ready done for her. and went away. 1t was
very late when he let himself into his own
house He had wandered on and on in the
darkness, driven to action by the pain in him.
The lights were lowered In the hall; the ser
wants had gone to bed. A few letters shone
Whitley on the dark surface of the hall table
Beside them lay small white package. 1t
was so small that he knew in an instant what
It contained. 1t had been sent by messenger.
He opened it.
Inside the diamond ring he had given
Margaret when they were engaged. She re-
fused to trust him. There was no letter; Just
the ring. Her love was got great enough to
have faith in him-that was ALL
1t seemed odd to him that he could take it
so quietly. He was only conscious of a great
WEAKNESS. a curious numbness He had felt
and suffered so much that day that now moth
ing seemed to matter very greatly. His friend,
his love-bOth lost to him in a few hours. To-
morrow he would feel it; tomorrow and
through all the long, gray days to come after.
But tonight merciful stupor seemed to have
laid deadening hands on his heart and brain.
There was limit after all, to human feeling
and he had reached it.