Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1918-01-03
CHAPTER XVIII.


on, once more to Louise's little house
In KensIngton; few minutes master
full pleading. and then success. Louise
wrapped herself up and descended to
the street by his side.
For an hour or more John drove
steadily westward, scarcely speaking
more than a chance word. 1t was twi-
light when he brought the car to a
standstill. Louise raised her veil and
looked up.
"Wellw she asked inquiringly.
He pushed back the throttle on
his steering wheel and stopped the en-
CINE. Then he turned toward her.
II have something to say to you" he
said. II have brought you here that
may say 1t In my own way and In my
own atmosphere"
This 10 like you" Louise muir
INJURED You had to bring me out to
q hilltop, on the dreariest hour Of a
wet March afternoon, to tell me-
whatF
First Of ALL" John began, II will an
swer question which you have asked
me three times since we started out
this afternoon. You wanted to know
how found out that you were not 60
ing to tea with the prince. Well, here
II the truth: asked the prince to
change the day of your visit to him."
Her fine, silky eyebrows came little
closer together.
"You asked him that?" she repeated.
John nodded.
"And he consentedF
II will explain" John continued. at
was a most unfortunate circumstance,
but In the club, after lunch, the subject
of spending the afternoon came up.
The prince spoke of an engagement.
He was tied at home, he said, from
four to six. Some of the men began
to chaff him, and suggested that he
was entertaining some lady friend, his
latest favorite-well, dare say you
can imagine the rest" John broke or
Her fingers played nervously for
moment with the edge of the rug. She
drew 1t higher up.
"Well, when l left your house the
nrst time this afternoon, l went
straight back to the prince. pointed
out TO him that after what had been
said, as 1t might become known that
you were his guest Of today, 1t would
be better for him to postpone your
VISIT he agreed to do 80"
"Was that all that passed between
your
mot quite" John replied. HE
asked me what concern 1t was Of mine,
and told him hoped that some day
you would be my wife"
She sat quite still, looking down
upon the flaring lights. She was filled
with a restless desire to escape, to
start the motor herself, and rush
through the wet air into London and
safety. And side by side with that
desire abe knew that there was moth
ing In the world she wanted so much
as to stay just where she was. and to
bear Just the words she was going to
hear.
$50 much for that !" John proceeded.
"And now please listen. have wrought
you out here because under these con-
eitons / feel more master Of myself
and my thoughts, and of things want
70 say to you. Something takes me by
the throat Ia your little drawing-room,
With Its shaded lights, its perfume of
nOwers, and its atmosphere Of perfec
hon. You sit enthroned there like the
queen Of a world know nothing Of,
and hattering invitations are showered
Vpon You from the greatest men In
london. The atmosphere there STILES
uA L0ulss. Out here you are a woman
and man, and those other things
fall away. l have tried my best to
come little way into sympathy with
your life. want you now to make up
your mind to come down a little way
INTO miner
She felt the sudden swapping Of ev-
cry nerve In her body, the passing
away of all sense Of will or resistance.
She was conscious only Of the little
movement toward him. the involuntary
yielding Of herself. She lay back In
his arms, and the kisses which closed
her eyes and lips seemed to be work
Ing some strange miracle.
She was In some great empty space,
breathing wonderful things. She was
On the hilltops, and from the heights
she looked down at herself as she had
besn-a poor little white-faced puppet
strutting about an overheated stage, in
. fstid atmosphere of adulation, with
brain artifeially stimulated, and a
heart growing cold with selfishness
bhe pitded herself as she had been
Then Nh, opened her eyes with a start
ef JOY.
"How wonderful 1t all isr' she muir
INJURED. you brought me here to tel
me this?"
"And to hear somsthtugl" he insist
I'd.
II have tried not to. john" she con
feksed, amazed at the tremble Of he
sweet. low voice. Her words seemed
IKE the confession Of a weeping child
II cannot help 1t. 1 do love you'll
have tried not to so hard, but now
now shall not try any more r.
They drove quietly down the lonl