Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1930-08-07
but you did. Will"

4Hey walked our, swept now Into q
unity which had been increased, not
broken, by their talk. They walked a
half mile or so and came to de-
serted boathouse. where they sat down
side by side upon an upturned row.
boat.
You see, Ernestine," he told her
solemnly, I'VE Just kind OF jumped
into It all. But it's real with me. It's
love-and marriage, with me. l never
thought much about such things
just took you at what you were will
Ing to give. Everybody has dates out
around town, and | didn't want to go
to your house especially. nor think
about that And then, we got to car
ing-and as soon as | began to think
about you as my wife, began TO
think about all these other things
your money, your family position, and
the darned Briceland pride that know
more about than you do. And then.
wondered why you never took me
home. And finally talked to my
mother. And made up my mind to
quit"
Without even giving me a chance?-
she asked him.
She was in his arms now, and he
said to her:
'Will you marry me, Ernestine?-
"Of course. Today, II you like
You'll have to tell your folks first
he insisted.
"Oh, WILL" she cried. Don't stand
with them against me- They'll sep
arate us. Why do you suppose they
asked you to the house today, Il not
to find out about you and how init
mate our friendship had become, and
to begin the business OF breaking 1t
up7 / know" She told him what
papa said about Sadie Hall and the
actor Delaney. His arms grew slack
about her. He sat little away, now,
distraught. silent.
They'll think I've persuaded Won.
They'll think | want the money. that
I'm seeking for myself" he protested.
If | thought you could live on what
/ make-but you don't know anything
about money. You don't know how
hard 1t is for two people-iiving on
twenty-five dollars week. dent
know what to do. but I want to- do
what's right"
He looked most forlorn sitting there,
bordering. trying to con-
template future without her, trying
to reconcile his own pride and self
esteem with the position her family
put him into.
i should never have kissed you," he
exclaimed. Il should never have
loved you"
WILL" said Ernestine tenderly,
you couldn't help that"
For now his sad confusion had
caught her In the grip of her first
passion. Now she lived In terrible
'ulfilment the promise her throbbing
leart had made weeks ago, when she
lad talked to Lillian about marriage.
1er heart ieaped In her like a thing
threatened with mortal danger. She
lung herself upon him precipitously
ler arms strained round his neck. He
'aught her and held her close. All
lis being fiared up In answer to her
'Wn emotion, and his lips sprang to
lers In a kiss that was as new to
hem as though they had never
ouched each other before. It was a
Take me today, WILL" she cried,
nd tears streamed down her face.
Now. quickly, before anybody can
ay a word to US, before they can be
easonable and rehssuring and com
etent about u.s. Take me and hold
re, now, quickly and secretly. |
romise you TIL live on what you earn.
promise I'll take my chance with
ou--completely. I'll never let them
ave reason to say that you wanted
nything but me. Whatever you have
all I'll have, VIII. / promise"
She was crying wildly. He was
1aking, as she was, but he laughed
little, and wiped her cheeks with
IS own clean handkerchief.
1.-THE lady promises, judge" he said,
Id kissed her and laughed at her and
ased her. 1.-THE lady promises never
sue me for more than million q
,ar alimony. The lady promises"
He picked her up and set her on
r feet.
Come on, then-let's do 1t now"
cried, and seized her wrist and
n, pulling her along. ~--naaa~a--
1t was almost evening when VIII
ID Ernestine came to the Briceand
,use. In the downstairs drawing
ON the lamps glowed softly. She
d telephoned mamma that she was
town for lunch and would come out
til VIII at FIVE. Beyond Lillian,
'nestine could see Lorings square
oufders.
They ran up the steps, hand In hand, ,
d at the door WIN gave her a re-
surfing hug and kissed her cheek.
Let me do the talking" he whis-
red, and they went on into the hall
d ran into the drawing and living