Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-04-22
''DoC!''
BY
BY HAROLD TITUS.
Author Of ITO the Victor"
Copyright
The Frank A. Munsey Company
The Frank A. Munsey Company

He did not so much as reach out
for her hand: but only looked close
into her face. and said simply.
II love you. Ruth"
For moment she was absolutely
motionless. fixed, and staring; then
she closed her eyes and drew a slow,
full breath. Her face dropped for.
ward, and she turned her face from
him. leaning away also and support
ing her body by hand on the rock.
"Can you love me-" he asked in
tie same quiet tone, clenching his
hands to gain selfcontrol.
She did not answer. He could hear
her breath, drawn and expelled slow.
ly, with an occasional culver, as he
waited for her to speak.
Cant yOu-Ruth?" he urged.
She shook her head and murmured:
''Dont--please don't Ellis! lit
- | wanted you to say it, but"
"Wanted me! Ruth And, rising
to one knee. Ne lurched toward her,
throwing out his arms.
Not now,"
Her cry was sharp, severe, the arm
she threw MP to ward him off was ar
bitrary, and the look she turned on
him confused, wild
He drew back as though she had
struck him in the face.
She lad wanted to hear him say he
loved her. { he had said 20. And now
lit vas as though tho night of his
touch was repcllent.
Ruth" he cried Ruth"
She had arisen, and with short I'M
steady steps walked away from the
fire a dozen yards. and stood by a
dwarfed tree which grew at the edge
OF the cliff, sageing against it, palms
pressed tightly against her eyes. Be-
vildered. Hardy walked toward her.
please don't come near me- she
said and the voice was plaintive. rid
of the sharpness that had kept him
from taking her to him before.
But, Ruth" he pleaded, you said
that you wanted me to tell you-and
now--now'"
Il did" she said softly. Those
we're the most wonderful words
have ever heard--coming from you
They have been said TO me before a
few times, but then they were so emp.
ty.
But you can't understand -
her voice cropped TO mere whisper,
as though enunciation were mighty
exertion you can't understand
yet There are so many things must
tell you, and make you understand
II | didn't you might-might hate me
some time. You may, anyhow -
you--
"Why, you've only known me a
few weeks"
Since before the morning OF
timc." he bTake in.
''Oh. only few weeks - and
YOU
Her voice caught again.
Ruth" stepping close to her
fiercely; but she halted him this time
by the simple lifting of hand.
She was crying, and 1t was many
minutes before she regained control
Of herself.
When her breathing was normal
she looked at him and said:
Don't you believe It IL better for
us TO go now and not talk more to-
night? can't--cant talk TO you to-
night as | should, Ellis. Won't you
please get the horses?"
He paused, undecided moment:
but his innate regard for others came
10 the surface, and he turned silently
to get the horses.
At other times Ruth had always re.
fused to allow him to aid her in
mounting; but this night she seemed
weak, unable to help herself. and he
all but lifted her to the saddle.
They rode slowly toward town in
the starlight, neither speaking, and
perhaps the very fact created a feel
ing of closeness between them in spite
of what had TRANSFERRED. Before her
home they halted, and for a brief
breath he chung to her hand.
"Ill 60 now. Ruth" he said softly
looking up into her face but when
you sleep tonight dream OF me and of
my love- when you wake in the still
hours hear me whispering: Il love
you. / love you. love you'll" And in
the morning know that love Is as GER
tain rs the day--know that am wait
ine for you TO call for me.
Twill come then--and only then.
,1n1nlt $3.50 snuoelf on you; but | go
enovs -. coolident that you will