Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-07-28

nus only Deen one Other instance OF
strike being averted as was this one.
Young Hardness is already a marked
man among people who know. He
should 60 very far"
He Is rather remarkable man."
him, and except that always realized
his tremendous strength, I should never
have imagined him possessed of suffi.
cient stability or depth Of character to
have done this"
There are some people," observed
Connington, whom only occasion can
prove. Hardness may be one Of Them"
Constance did not reply, She was
wondering whether his words had a
double meaning.
| Il want to ask you a question,
Constance 1t was the first time he
had used her Christian name, and
she felt the blood creeping to her cheeks.
why are you surrendering Audrey to
"You know the reason" Her voice
was very low. "It will be better for
her. You outlined It all yourself"
Connington smiled. IT have been
wondering" he said.
What do you meanT'
whether I should deprive her Of a
love which is self sacrificing"
He said it simply and without striv-
ing after effect, but it swept the color
from Constance's cheeks as a cloth
might wipe chalk marks from a board.
She tried to speak, but could not. At
last she stammered:
| But you want her!"
Il do very much
herr"
II think It will break my heart II
cannot do 50. I have built all my
but there is no other way" Con-
stance faltered.
There is another way"
Constance found herself trembling
Once more the color began to creep
from her throat to her cheeks.
Connington leaned forward.
After you had gone the last time
you visited me my house seemed very
empty, and It has seemed very empty
since. l have never appreciated how
empty a house can be. And with 1T
emptiness / realized the emptiness O.
my own heart"
An Aim in Life
He paused, as though he weighed hi
| WOTuS CuTeIullS.
1--WE have both made mistakes, Con
old enough and experienced enough t,
be able to forget them"
Constance looked up and met hi
gaze.
"You are not mocking me?'
"You should know me better. Al
though, perhaps, deserve 1t. realiz
now, as / look back, that I may hav
been cold and hard. There has alway
been a pride in me which tripped m,
feet as walked. loved you once
Constance.
Constance stood up. and Conningtol
rose also.
"You cannot mean that, Godfrey"
Connington did not attempt to con
firm the statement. He said: "Hav
you discovered also. Constance, tha
love cannot die?'
She turned away. Her voice wa
bitter as she answered him.
"Do you realize the temptation o
this? Do you realize that you ar
offering ME Audrey, my name again
and everything that can matter to me
And do you expect me to say do no
love you and cast 1t all aside?'
II believe you are honest enougl
to tell me the truth. The fact that
have asked you shows my trust In you
If you have forgotten me go completely
as to refuse, then we will find another
way. But have decided that you shall
not lose Audrey altogether. After all
YOU are her mother. and you have the
greater claim.
A little cry escaped Constance's lips
His generosity hurt her more than hi:
previous hardness had done. She said
II do not want charity" and wished
she had not spoken. .
"I offer you more than charity
answered Connington quietly.
She turned and faced him. II an
ashamed. I am sorry said that. i
was unworthy. VIII you forgive me?'
"I am waiting for your answer ,
His tone was kind.
She swayed on her feet, but her eye
held his steadily. There have beer
days-and nights-when I have beer
hungry" she said softly. She put he
hand before her, as though to shielt
herself from him. 'Let me tell you
| realize now there can be no sham
in the confession. He--that other
sent him away directly after. knew
I had been wrong. ! wanted you. !
was Just because you had not givel
yourself to me at first. l was hungr!
for love in those days, and you seemed
filed with your work. ! met him, ant
I thought he could give me the fullnes
of life, and instead he offered me dust
1t was you l wanted. / have Away
wanted you. But you were behind
veil. l never understood you-unti
now. I think ] am beginning to do 30
Perhaps you never understood me
| ~ I'll, fryi
| admit all my fault, and l ask for m
forgiveness.
II offer nome" said Oonningtol
quietly. "For me those years are dead
We have all sinned. Constance. Afte
we are married again we shall flint
greater forgetfulness in happiness.
"But people will talk! They will
point me out! After ALL am Con
,, stance Brent Of the Eros" Constanc
found woman's argument.
"Nobody can point at Connington
Constance. And do not think OF Con
stance Brent. Try to remember tha
YOU are the woman love-
She dropped. 1t seemed as thoug
all her resistance was gone, and sh
, swayed toward him. -,
"Will you kiss me, GeoffreyT"
He held out his arms to her, and sh
came to him as a girl might come t
, her first lover, all trembling.
Constance led Connington out int
the garden, and they found Audrey an
,, Aunt Ella sitting on the seat unds
! the hedgerow which faced tho fowe
{ beds.
= Aunt Ella looked from Constance {
, Connington and back again. She say
subtle change in her sister, an air a
OF girlhood suddenly returned, shynes
] .o.~.,o M tbouuh gha nrpaorye