The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1924-11-06

1OlIOWluB dltcEuOOA, size WotShCu OhhA0-
topher, conducted as far as the terrace
by the butler, descend the steps lightly
and move across the lawn toward her.
He walked with the dignity and as
surance Of man whose life Is being
worthily lived. 1t was long way
across the lawn, and the girl who
waited for his coming had time for a
crowd of pleasant thoughts as she
watched the approach Of the man on
whom she had set her heart. Every
thing that he did and had done in life
appealed to her. He had sentiment
enough-that was proved by the ten
derness for MYRTLE to which he had
confessed that night at Monte Carlo. a
night which she had always remem-
bered as one Of the unhappiest Of her
life. She had long since been con-
WINGED, both by his manner and Myr-
tiles, that the tenderness, such as 1t
had been, had become merged in q
purely fraternal and kindly regard. OF
HIS reticence toward herself she
thought nothing. He was possessed,
as she well knew, Of very high sense
Of honor, and she had always felt that,
however greatly she might have de-
sired to hear his declaration, he would
say nothing until he had passed def
nitely out Of the somewhat miscel-
laneous category of rising young men
into the position Of one whose future
10 assured. Today he was the young
est X. c., and seat In parliament
was almost within his reach. She
thought of her own fortune with q
deep sense Of pleasure. 1t was larger
than he imagined. larger than any one
else except herself and her father
knew. Christopher would be free to
mako the best Of himself, free for all
time from any shadow Of financial
worry. How well he looked, how
strong and eageri She held out both
her hands as he drew near, and her
smile Of welcome made her for q mo-
ment radiantly beautiful.
"How delightful to see you, Chris
topher !" she exclaimed. "And what
wonderful news! It's just what you
wanted, isn't 1t, and just what we all
wanted for you"
He took her hands and stood smiling
down at her. Her heart was beginning
to beat more quickly. She hoped that
no would suggest walking In the
gardens.
He did not not sit down, nor did he
suggest the gardens. He had looked
around for a moment, almost as though
disappointed to find her alone. Still
her heart did not misgive her. She
thought him a little nervous. and she
smiled tolerantly.
"You were a dear to telegraph to me
at once" she said. IT can't tell you
how interested and flattered was"
II wanted you all to know" he de-
clared, looking around once more.
"H0w is every oneY
I'm excellent health, thank you." she
answered. Father Is having his usual
afternoon sleep. Gerald has been
here. but. as dare say you know. he
went away this morning. We must
talk about him later, Christopher.
am r0ther worried-but that can
wait. Will you sit down, or would
you like to see how wonderful the
gardens are2"
He looked at her little APOLOGIZE
cally. yet without the slightest idea Of
how great an apology was needed.
II wondered" he said, 'if l could
re MYRTLE"
"Myrtile?" Mary repeated.
He assented q little sheepishly, yet
with rather engaging smile.
81 wanted to see her and tell her
about It," he confided. "She won't
understand just what It means, per
haps, but she's 80 much more Of q
woman now"
His voice seemed to come from q
long way of. 1t seemed all part Of q
horrible nightmare, something unreal.
some black thought, the Pigment Of q
nocturnal fancy. Then she was con.
sclous Of his standing before her,
waiting, expectant, with the eagerness
Of lover In his eyes.
'Mytile went down TO gather some
roses" she told him. "You will find
her at the end Of the pergola."
He was gone almost before the
words had left her lips, gone with
some sort Of mumbled excuse, uncon.
scious Of the tragedy he had created
clumsily obvious Of the fierce strug
gle which had kept her calm and col
lected. She turned her head and
watched him 60. watched his long
eager footsteps. saw his tall figure
stoop as he entered the pergola. Hel
fingers tore at the sides Of her chair
She looked at the distance between he,
and the terrace steps. II only she
could escape! Her limbs TOR the time
seemed powerless. She sat there Will
al the healthy color drained from hel
checks, her fixed eyes seeing nothing
hat the ruin Of her confident hopes
ahe could see herself growing old
marching down the avenues Of time
preserving in a certain measure. per
1aps, her dignity. but growing day b,
~ little more jealous and marrow