Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-06-10


possibility caused him the keenest
shrinking and chagr.n.
Gradually. out OF the turmoil of his
thoughts the conviction grew and took
shape that hts only hope OF happiness
lay in prompt confession and restitu-
tion-not an extorted avowal. but one
made of his own free Will, and while
yet he held the reins in his own con-
troll
Better to lose the girl now and re-
tain his own self-respect than marry
her and be found out afterward. for in
that event she would be lost to him be-
yond recall-of that he felt sure.
Tho gray dawn of winter was creep
ing In around the edges of the window
blinds ere he came to this conclusion
and then 1t was with a strange feeling
Of citation and exaltatdon that he threw
himself on the bed and slept the FIRST
refreshing sleep that had come to him
in weeks.
The succeeding day was Sunday. Kane
had promised to meet Stella at after
noon service and walk home with her
This had been their weekly custom
since the ball. and they both dearly
priced this half-hour of sweet inter-
course rs they sauntered through the
park.
On this, possibly their last day to-
eether, Kane realized as he had never
done before how inexpressibly indis-
pensable she had become to him, and
yet IN that very fact he found strength
customary quick decision he meant to
you WIN probably md Sir Arthur
ana Rick in the library" she said, as
they entered the hall at bancroft. az
yet unlighted save by the f1tful blaze Of
.'Wnl you Join us there!" inquired
Kane. solicitously. as he detained ner
Certainly, II you wish it," she re-
turned
Il do wish it." was the reply. Il have
something to say which I want you all
to hear"
A new note in his voice arrested her
attention. and she looked up at him
in quick surprise. He drew her, al
wrapped and bonneted as she was, into
q little recess, and took her in his arms,
imprinting on her lips a warm and
passionate kiss.
1T may be for the last time. dearest
he whispered. but do not judge me TOO
harshly when you hear all"
What is it?' she asked TREMENDOUSLY,
her eyes large and luminous with ten
der interest and alarm. For answer he
said:
I'm a little while you will know" and
led her to the foot of the stairs. Slowly
she assembled as though oppressed oy
the weight OF an impending disaster:
at the turn she stopped and looked
back at him where he stood watching
her with passionate alteration. all his
soul in his eyes. Then he turned mis-
steps toward the library.
"Hullo, Kane!' exclaimed Richard.
heartily, rising and f1inging q book to
the other end Of the leather lounge on
which he had been doing. Come in,
man! You're Just in time to keep us
awake"
The baronets greeting, II less vocif-
erous, was none the less pleasant
Where's Stellar" inquired Richard.
she will be here Immediately" SAID
80 Nlya ct,0 1fnr rod
the room.
Ring for candles, will you. sis?" e1-
claimed Richard. ut gets dark SO con-
foundedly early here"
Stella moved toward the bell Due
Kane stayed her with a gesture
Not just yet. please. il I may inter-
fere," he said II have something to
tell you all-something that is not easy
for me to say-and l think l can get
along better by the freight
There was q hfeless quality in his
voice. and his usually virile tones were
curiousiy mumed- Richard Dysart was
as far from OWNING what was actually
coming as either of the other listeners.
yet he was conscious OF quickening
thrill Of expectancy. aroused by Kane's
words ana manner, and he glanced at
him keen1y.
concerned in the storyT
"'You are" was the answer. at which
Richard drew a deep breath and settled
back in his seat.
stella moved to a place in the recess
by the fireplace. where there was deep
shadow; Sir Arthur and Richard sat on
either side the blaze: Kane remained
standing in the center. declining a prof
fered seat. All looked at him expect
ant1y.
Richard Dysart." he began in color
less tones. nearly a year ago you were
treacherously ambushed. shot and
robbed on the banks of the MOOT river.
We all know the pitiful story: no need
to go over it again. The man who
robbed you was then a poor outcast,
down on his luck, a very Ishmael. and
1t may be honestly asserted through no
fault Of his own. This man saw you.
perfect stranger. start on your pros
pecting trip into the Karoo country. He
tracked you on horseback from day to
day. camping within sight Of your IRE
every night. sharing your hardships.
starving when you went hungry. freez-
ing through the long dark nights be-
cause he dared not kindle q blaze which
might have appraised you that You were
watched. At drst his only thought was
to claim shares in whatever you might