Middletown transcript., 1918-05-04

You're old enough to be my father"
And beside him there instantly flashed
q vision Of Jack Barrow. OF course it
was absurd-even though she appre-
ciated the honor. But she did not fin
ish the sentence that way. II don't
oh. it's simply impossible. couldn't
think Of such a thing"
"Why not2" he asked. II love you.
You know that-you can see it, can't
you?" He leaned a little nearer, and
forced her to meet his gaze. II can
make you happy; can make you love
me. can give you all that a woman
could ask"
Eyes, but"
He interrupted her quickly. "Per-
haps I've surprised and confused you
by my impulsiveness," he continued.
"But I've had no chance to meet you
socially. Perhaps right now you don't
feel as do, but can teach you to feel
that way. can give you everything
money, social position. everything
that's worth having-and love. I'm
not an empty-headed boy. I can make
you love me-"
"You couldn't" Hazel answered fiat
ly. There was q note of dominance
in that last statement that Jared on
her. Mr.. Bush was too sure of his pow
ers. "And have no desire to expert
ment with my feelings as you sug-
gest-not for all the wealth and social
position in the world. would have
to love a man to think OF marrying
him-and ! do. But you aren't the
man. I appreciate the compliment
of your offer, and I'm sorry to hurt
you. but can't marry you"
His face clouded. "You are en-
gaged?"
EYES,"
He got up and stood over her. ITO
some self-centered cub-some puny
egotist in his twenties, who'll make
you a slave to his needs and whims,
and discard you for another woman
when you've worn out your youth ana
beauty" he cried. "But you won't
marry him. I won't let you!"
Miss Weir rose. II think shall 60
home" she said steadily.
"You shall do nothing of the sort!
There is no sense in your running
away from me and giving rise to Cos
sip-which will hurt yourself only"
II am not running away, but 1 can't
stay here and listen to such things
from you. It's impossible, under the
circumstances, for me to continue
working here, so may as well go
now"
Bush stepped past her and snapped
the latch on the Office door. Il shan't
permit It," he said passionately.
"Girl, you don't seem to realize what
this means to me. want yOu-and
I'm going to have you!"
'Please don't be melodramatic. Mr..
Bush"
'Melodramatic! If it is melodrama
for man to show little genuine feel
ing. I'm guilty. But was never more
in earnest in my life. want chance
to win you. l value you above any
woman I have ever met. Most women
that"
''A1ost women would Jump at the
chance" Hazel interrupted. "Well,
I'm r It most women. 1 simply don't
care for you as you would want me
to-and I'm very sure I never would.
And, seeing that you do feel that way,
it's better that we shouldn't be thrown
together as we are here. That's why
I'm going"
'That is to say, you'll resign because
I've told you care for you and pro-
posed marriage?" he remarked.
Exactly. It's the only thing to do
under the circumstances"
"Give me a chance to show you that
can make you happy" he pleaded.
Don't leave. Stay here where can
at least see you and speak to you. I
won't annoy you. And you can't tell.
After you get over this surprise you
might find yourself liking me better"
"That's just the trouble" Hazel
pointed out. IF I were here you
would be bringing this subject up in
spite of yourself. And that can only
cause pain. can't stay"
II think you had better reconsider
that" he said; and a peculiar-an
ugly-light crept into his eyes, unless
you desire to lay yourself open to be-