The diamond drill., 1921-02-26


course OF these pages to give the Inn
preston that Mr.. Randolph was mod
eled after Joseph or hewn out or ice
or packed with problty to the exclu-
sion OF red blood. forget II. At the
sight OF those tears he slid the length
OF the couch 20 first base. fielded the
girl In his arms. switched her round
so that she lay across his knees, drew
her face against his shoulder. and
rocked her gently.
"You poor kiddIe," he said softly.
what a devil OF time you've had (!
But believe me when tell you It's all
over. This is the night that starts your
old happy sun into the blue sky again.
Don't worry"
She stopped crying and looked up
into the honest face so close 20 her
own. puzzling as 10 how just those
words could have come from ~ but
the world had taught her hard les
son In varying standards. She drew
long quivering sigh.
If you could only wait until love
you. body and soul" she breathed.
'What on earth do you meanT
asked Mr.. Randolph.
"why. then It wouldn't be so bad-
so ugly"
II don't get you" remarked Robert
Heryey.
"a man told me just a little while
ago that he was making a catalogue
OF reasons why women give them
selves" she continued. "He had eleven
already, and yet he was one OF the
incest men I've met He talked TO me
as though he were showing me way
that must travel alone"
Really" said Mr.. Randolph, stif.
fenIDg perceptibly.
The lowest reason Of all was for
cold cash" she went on. as though ne
had not spoken. "Then came the gilt
ter OF precious stones. and, after that.
SILK underwear"
"SlIIS underwear" exclaimed Mr..
Randolph, mystified and interested In
spite Of himself
"Of course you couldn't understand
that" she said. mot unless you had
seen some poor girl bury her face in
crepe de chine and lace. tremble to try
them on. and then sob because she had
10 wear clothes over them"
look here" said Mr. Randolph.
shuddering at the pity OF a.: well
pass on 10 the next. II you don't mind"
Curiosity comes next" resumed the
girl obediently. "A woman Is weak
until she knows everything. Then
comes a funny one that you won't un-
derstand ar all. It's called Because.
Because he had on a coat that re-
minded her OF an old coat that a man
she had loved used 10 wear"
MY dear girl" protested Mr.. Ran.
dolph.
II said they weren't interesting. "
she reminded him dispassionately. Her
eyes widened. "And now" she con
tinued we go up and up-spIte that
stabs its own heart: the lonely soul ;
consuming fire. and. last and greatest
reason Of all. just love" Her eyes
glowed 10 some distant focus. IF all
myself. my honor. my past. and my
future dissolve 10 the single drop of a
present moment in the crystal cup OF
love, then let me give myself 10 a
lovers lips for, once drained. nothing
will be left upon which 10 hang the
badge OF shame-Dothing remain I'm
all the world but the spirit and--and
the sacrifice"
nCt,i - ,.fd A. D.nd.t,,t ,r,,e9, H., a,
her 20 him as though he snatched her
back from just beyond his clasp.
where Is your mind wanderingi What
have you been thinklngl That ] was
asking you toto give yourself 20
meY
Her eyes came suddenly TO his face.
"Yes" she said: II thought that"
He stared ~ her for long silent mo-
nent his lips wavering nervously be-
tween pity and severity. A flush
swept over her face. and into her eyes
crept look of fear "You don't want
meT she whispered then. as he did
not speak: kiss me wish you 10
kiss me
There was something IN her insist
ence that clutcheG az his heart and
bent him forward lie drew her head
up slowly 70 meet Ifs lips and kissed
her a. lightly - impersonally as
brother ever saluied sister. but far
more fearfully Immediately her body
went limp IN his arms. turned 20 a
dead weight of ursplred flesh.
1T Is true" er murmured. des-
perately. You ~ really want me
and I cnn never love you now"
Randolph awolp 20 that stll cry
He shook her. SEIZED her head In both
his hands, and forced her eyes 70 meet
the blaze In his.
you generous. careless. adorable
little fool" he growled. "why. you're
the most desirable and precious bundle
Of lovnble charm that robber man
ever trembled 70 hold in sacrilegious
arms Z"
She stared az him amazed
why don't you kiss the way you
tsikT" she demanded.