The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1917-02-22

back to the house with me. You know
I'm timid. Aren't you ashamed of
yourself?"
Il suppose So" he grumbled, rising.
II presume it's childish to want the
moon-and sulk when you find you
can't have it,
cor a starr"
He made no reply; but his very
silence was eloquent. They entered
the kitchen.
"Something'll have to be done; If
they won't help us. we'll have to help
ourselves"
"Hugh" There was alarm in her
tone. He looked up quickly. "Hugh,
what are you thinking OFF,
"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.
"Pll be here-as always-when you
wake up"
She disappeared; the light of her
lamp faded, flickering in the draught
of the hall, stencilled the wall with
its evanescent caricature of the bal
ustrade, and was no longer visible.
"Hugh!' her voice rang from the
upper floor.
He started violently out of deep alb
stractien, and replied inquiringly.
''YOu won't forget to lock the door,"
He swore violently beneath his
breath; controlled his temper and re-
sponded pleasantly: Certainly not"
Then he shut the outside door with
convincing bang.
eff this be marriage ~ He
smiled his twisted smile.
Leaving the kitchen light turned
low. he went to his own room and,
as 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 slumber 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 its 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, a
board squealed like 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 dismay: "Hugh
Hugh" !"
He halted, saying in an even voice
"Yes, it 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
a cry. He burned with resentment
impatience ard Indignation, but he
waited stolidly enough while the
woman flew down the stairs to his
side.
"Hugh," she demanded, whlte-faced
and trembling. "what is the matteri
Where are you goingT
He moved his shoulders uneasily
forcing a short laugh. "I daresay
you've guessed It. Undoubtedly you
have. Else why" He didn't finish
save by a gesture Of resignation.
'You mean you were going-goinl
to try to swim to the mainlandT
'1 meant to try It," he confessed.
"T should have known she de
I ] oil, e.I~ Htal
knew the instant you stirred"
cit must be done" he muttered
'Please-"
'But IL must not be done Hugh =
Her voice ascended. "T-I can't let
you. won't let you You ItI
be your death-you'll drown. I snail
have let you go to your death"
ooh, now, really" ne protested
'But, Hugh. 7 know itl / feel II
here" A hand strayed TO rest flut
tering, above her heart Tf I should
let you go Oh, my dear one
don't don't gow
Mary" he began hoarsely, II tel
you"
you're only going, Hugh, because
because i love you so / an
afraid TO let you love me That's true
isn't It.? Hugh-it's trueT
He mumblcd an almost inaudlblC
avowal of his intention.
Hugh, you're killing mel II yoJ
love me-"
He gave a gesture Of despair and
capitulation.
'Tve done my best. Mary. 7 meant
10 do the right thing. L"
"Uugh, you mean you won't gOT
Joy from q sErcharged heart rang wi
brant I'm every syllable uttered in thai
marvellous voice.
But now ne dared meet her eyes
EYES," he said, II won't GO" noddiDp
with an apologize shadow OF bis
twisted smile. II can't if 4
distresses you"