Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-04-18

c1nceit in himself: FOR ne was sur6
II spelled laughter at his expense and
well-merited-"H Hugh, you big sulky
boy! get up this instant and como
back to the house with me. You know
I'm timid. Aren't you ashamed Of
yourself?" N
" suppose So" he grumbled, rising.
II presume It's childish to want the
moon--and sulk when you And you
can't have It,"
"Or a starr"
He made no reply; but his very
silence was eloquent. They entered
the kitchen.
,"Something'll have to be done; II
they won't help Us, Wen have to help
ourselves"
"Hugh!" There was alarm in her
tone. He looked up quickly. "Hugh,
what are you thinking Oft"
"Oh-nothing. But I've got to think
of something"
She came nearer, intuitively alarmed
and pleading. "Hugh, you wouldn't
leave me here alone?"
"Don't be afraid" he said evasively.
"I1l be here-as always-when you
wake up"
She disappeared; the light of her
lamp faded, Pickering in the draught
of the hall, stencilled, the wall with
a. ~ t,,pn - h4 ko0-
ustrade. and was no longer visible.
"Hugh!" her voice rang from the
upper floor.
He started violently out Of deep alb
straction, and replied inquiringly.
'sYou won't forget to lock the door,"
breath; controlled his temper and re-
sponded pleasantly: Certainly not"
Then he shut the outside door with
q convincing bang.
IF this be marriage !" He
smiled his twisted smile.
Leaving the kitchen light turned
low. no went to his own room and,
az on the previous night, threw him
self upon the bed without undressing;
but this time with no thought of sleep.
Indeed, he had no expectation OF CLOS.
Ing his eyes in sIumber before the
next night, at the earliest: he had
no intention other than to attempt to
swim to the nearest land.
An hour dragged out it's weary
length. and the half Of another. He
rose. with infinite precaution against
making any noise.
Slowly, on tiptoes Whitaker stole
toward the door, out into the hall, took
a single step on toward the kitchen;
and then, piercing suddenly the abso-
Lutte stiffness within the house, q
board s4uea!ed Ike an animal be-
meath his tread.
In an instant he heard the thud
and patter of her footsteps above,
her loud. quickened breathing as she
leaned over the balustrade, looking
down, and her cry of dlsmay: "Hugh!
Hugh!"
He halted. saying in an even voice:
"Yes, 1t Is l." She had always seen
him there was no use trying to get
away without her knowledge now; be-
sides, he was no sneak-thief to fly from
cry. He burned with resentment.
impotence and indignation, but he
waited stolidly enough while the
woman few down the stairs to his
side.
'Hugh," she demanded. white-faced
and trembling. "what is the matter?
Where are you going!"
He moved his shoulders uneasily,
forcing . short laugh. II daresay
you've guessed IL. Undoubtedly you
have. Else why" He didn't finish
save by gesture Of resignation.
"You mean you were going-going
to try to swim to the mainland?
II meant to try It," he confessed.
IT should have known" she de-
clared passionately. II was asleep, but
I knew the instant you stirred"
1T must be DONE" he muttered.
please"
"But 1t must not be done! Hugh"
Her voice assembled. I'll can't let
you. I won't let you! You z. It'll
be your death-you'll drown. shall
have let you go to your death"
"Oh. now. really" he protested.
But, Hugh. know 1t! ] feel 1t
here" A hand strayed to rest, flut-
tering, above her heart. IF should
let you 90 Oh, my dear one,
don't. don't 10 I"
Mary" he began hoarsely. II tell
you"
you're only going, Hugh, because ;. :.
because I love you 20 ! am
afraid to let you leve me. That's true,
isn't IT. Hugh-lt's true?"
He mumbled an almost ipaudible
avowal Of his intention.
"Hugh, you're killing me! II you
love me-"
He gave gesture Of despair and
capitulation.
i've done my best, Mary. I meant
to do the right thing. II"
'Hugh, you mean you won't 60"
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