The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1919-02-12

heart
His voice was vibrant with effort
as he said: III you love him. and can
understand how you might, now that
you know he Is himself again. there Is
nothing else for you TO do. ! wish
we'll, | wish you happiness. lots of IL.
all the years"
He rose and stepped 10 the door.
She stined u low "Oh. Philip" upon
her lips.
He paused at the door. held out his
hand bit huskily. MY dear. my dear
-" Then he turned away abruptly
Hardly had he passed from view
when up.the walk came another figure;
and weak with the strain OF Philips
parting, she fairly swayed with faiGt-
ness as she found herself greeting FL
mer.
1t was with difficulty that she man
aged to Hight the lamp In the room.
while his CHEEKY voice with Its old.time
merriness went ON.
Don't wonder you are surprised
Edna. for | wanted 10 surprise you.
Welt. You haven't changed and
haven't, | guess, bun those TWO years.
you Hnow-queer to have twa blanks
in your memory. However," his face
shadowed-''what counts now is The
future
They chatted for little while OF
his and that, old friends and old days
and suddenly he leaned forward.
Edna, have come all these miles
to find out" Then, as he sought Tor
words, she said quietly:
Il am ready to marry you. Elmer
whenever you are ready"
lie jumped up. came tO her aud put
his arms around her. his voice shak
ing. Little girl. have you been faith
ful Ia me all through thisT"
She did not hesitate. ''I came very
near To loving some one else. but
have been true. because thought
You might-come back some time"
lie kissed her gently. "Yon guessed
right"
Then they talked Of plans, but with
the glow of her sense of sacrifice for
him gone. her heart was lead within
her. He WAS restless-and she remem-
bered Of old that he had been. Her
thoughts went To Phiiip-to the sooth-
ing. strengthening presence So wei
come at the sick beds OF the village;
and she heard again with sense OF
pain his last broken. My dear, Ny
dear" But she was committed. for
her there was no turning back.
After reaching some conclusions
concerning marriage plans. Elmer rose
In his quick way. Now I'm going to
the hotel and telegraph the folks.
BE back IN iIiry."
After he had gone she sank back
into one OF the big chairs. smiling as
she remembered ways OF his that the
years had made her forget. Then
shadows that were not those OF twi-
Hight came about her-back again to
New England and with Elmer-was II
real or just II dream, Goodby TO Phil
ip. to
Checking her thought. she rose and
went outside. The great western sky
unbroken by hills srched above her to
far horizons. The night had a calm
ness and II peace she did not feel the
step before her meant happiness or
neglect How oddly Elmer had acted
yet he had always been swift In &C
ton and thought.
In the midst of her thinking there
was II schmpering on the walk, and
tow-headed youngster appeared. He
thrust out his hand. Here's note,
Miss Duncan. A fellow at the hotel
gave me b quarter for bringln' 1t up"
Wondering she took It and went In
side The note was In Elmsr's hand
writing:
Dear Old Chum-Just forgive me
for this. l came out here because /
thought you would be waiting for me.
/ knew how true-blue you used to be.
But l simply cant 20 through with
IT. svmeway. you've changed; and
have a sneHking feeling that you
like somebody here. one OF the gos-
sips put me wise In the hotel. And TO
tell the truth. | fell In love with one
OF the girls Mt the hospital; and |
feel rs II ought To marry her. So.
being as It Is, I'm going back tonight.
Don't feel hard against me. l didn't
realize until got here. As ever.
ELMER"
She crumpled the note and laughed.
bit tearfully. How near TO regret
We were! | thought and he thought
but God knew 80