Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-07-07
didn't say 50, but she is"


more?'
"Y-ycs. At first she was furious.
but we've talked good DEAL and |
think she does care--away down I'M
derncath. She may not know it her.,
self. but she does But she won't 90
back. She declares She won't spoil her
whole life for drunken wretch like
him, and she's quite right, of course"
"She's quite wrong, of counsel B0b's
done pretty well for a man of his type
ana he's had hard lesson. After all,
it's a woman's part to sacrifice-shc'S
not happy unless she gives more than
she gets. You and l must bring them
together
How"
Pope had been thinking while he
talked. and now he sketched his plan
eagerly
You are perfectly detestable and
hor-id," she told him. when he had fin
ished. but | suppose there must be
some good in you She laid her hand
upon his arm again, and Pope's salow
cheeks were glowing and his eyes as
bright as hers.
"Gcel You're all right" he said
"I'll call for you after the show"
Address smile was uncertain as she
1emurrtd. Perhaps you'd better
meet me here What will people say"
But Pope was insistent.
We are accustomed to resent the ef-
forts Of our friends to arrange our af-
fairs for us, and we pray for deliver
ance from their mistakes, yet without
their assistance we would often make
miserable failures of our lives. Lore
lei was surprised when Adoree brought
Campbell Pope home with her that
night, and she was somewhat diverted
by the complete change in their mutual
attitude. Now that the first clash was
over, now that they had expressed their
dislike and disapproval Of each other,
they no longer quarrelcd. Pope was
frankly admiring, and Adorec could
not conceal her awe at Campbelfs lit
erary and musical ability. She ex-
planned to Loreei: 81 asked him in for
the sake of the piano. | knew you
were blue, and there's nothing so cheer
ing as music
But when Pope finally got around to
play, the result was not altogether
happy. Adoree, to be sure. seemed de-
lighted, but Lorelci felt herself gripped
by greater loneliness than usual.
Pope's music was far from lively, and
he had cuhningly chosen the hour when
it exerts its greatest emotional appeal.
He was artist enough moreover, to
work his effects with certainty.
Lorele sought relief at length In the
seclusion Of Adorec's rear room, and
there, in the midst of "crying SPELL"
Bob found her. .
Her first quick resentment at the de-
ceptlon practiced upon her melted at
sight Of him, for he had suffered, and
he was evidently suffering now. He
was not the Bob she had known, but
chastened, repentant, speechless with
tremulous delight at seeing her again.
In the next room Campbell played on,
smoothing the way for reconciliation.
Lorelei found herself in her hus-
bands arms, listening dazedly to his
passionate protestations and bis ear
nest selfllennnciation. Bob had re-
ceived the fright Of his life, his lesson
had been scared into him. and he lost
no time in telling his wife about It..
At last Lorclei laid her fingers upon
his lips, her eyes misty and luminous
with the light Of n new and wondrous
certainty.
"Wait. Let me speak," she said.
"1've done lifetime of thinking In
these few days. I'm not sorry that |
left you, for it has enabled me to see
clearly. But III never leave you again,
Bob, no matter what you do; can't"
He crushed her to him. then held her
away at the hint Of something unsaid.
"You mean you've begun to love meY'
he inquired, gladly
perhaps. don't know. Some
thing has changed-tremendously."
Under his bewildered gaze the blood
rose. warming her cheeks;s her eyes
swan, but not with tears; her bosom
was tremulous with the knowledge
tlat clamored for freedom, and yet re-
fused to come.
Don't you understand, stupld?" she
saiH. seeing him still mystihed. She
hid her face. thee whispered In his