The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-07-14
Just an Error Of
Judgment
By MARY RUHE

It seemed like a dream to Arthur
Leasing to be back again at Squire
Brenner's house that afternoon In
early May.
1t was four years since he had
left Wakefield. to make his way In
the world.
It was an open secret that he had
come back to ask Madge to be his
wife. When Madge shook hands
with him he felt the same subtle
touch of sympathy. And Edith, her
sister, smiled as she greeted him.
She seemed to know.
"The man who gets Madge will
be a lucky fellow" Squire Bremen
said. "She is a girl of sterling merit.
And she will inherit good deal of
money"
In the old days he and Leslie
Carter had been rivals for Madge.
Leslie had borne no malice when
his suit was gently declined. Les
sing had hardly expected to see
Carter there, but he seemed to be
on intimate terms with the family.
He, too, was weekend guest ut
the Bremen home.
During the dinner Leasing no.
ticed with touch Of old Jealousy
that Carter seemed to have estab-
lished brotherly relationship with
the girls. And this was all that
was needed to kindle the young
mans determination. He would
ask Madge that night.
The opportunity was easily ar
rived at, for the squire retired to
his library, and Mrs. Bremen nod
ded over her sewing. The girls
and Carter had gone out into the
garden. Leasing lingering behind to
settle Mrs. Bremen in her chair
and put the knitting needles In her
lap. Then he hurried out.
Madge was waiting for him ! The
night was dark; he could only see
her white dress shining. He went
softly toward her.
Dearest" he whispered, taking
her by the hands,. II love you. VIII
you be my wffe?"
EYES," she whispered, and pressed
her lips to his. And the:- he found
himself looking into Edith's dark
eyes.
It was we'll for his training that
he had been schooled in q difficult
world. He did not start or betray
himself. He linked her arm through
his and they started back toward
the house together.
And at the door, stood Madge and
| Carter.
aren't you coming OUT" Car
ter began; and then the sight o.
Lessing's face checked him.
II want to tell you ALL" said Less
ing. "that Edith has promised II
be my wife,"
of the stairs and went up to nj
room. =.
He sat for hours IN his chair
thinking. All the rules Of his breed
Ing told him that the mistake mus
never be acknowledged. And Edit
loved him! There was no posi-
bility of misunderstanding wha
that expression had meant whel
she kissed him.
I A man who lives by a code ]
bound with silken threads strotge
than steel. Leasing knew that ther
was no way out Of the entangle
ment with honor, ; .......
! He was the first down In tn
morning, but after he had pace
the grounds for q few minutes. Car
ter Joined him. 81.
II didn't hive much chance :
congratulate you last night" 7, a
said. offering his hand. ITS Odt
isn't TIP he continued, with a shor
laugh. "DO you know, l Away
thought It was Madge you care
! for :.
1 Leasing tore himself away. b.
cause he could not TRUSS himself I
AS he entered We breakfast-roor
Madge passed him. They stoppe
and looked at each other for an II
slant. Then she inclined her hea
slowly and was about TO pass hin
"Madge!" cried Lesslng.,' sut
denly. Is. q 4 ), 49,
you come here q, njpmentY n
asked, drawing her toward the .doo
"Madge! I Thought, !.
She tried to pass him, but b
! blocked the, way, She was or!
. ink; she could not restrain hersel
i."D6n'tl" he, pleaded-and s.it
denly, he was holding her In iii
arms and kissing her as he ha
done TO- often In his dreams, br
had never done in reality.
: "Why-whyT' she stammered. .
ut was you, Madge." he erie
!, fesperateiy. II thought that Edit
: was y6u., It was quite dark an
n YOU both wore white dresses.