Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-06-08
Kitty's figure appeared on the porch.

by marriage. Felt that some time that
slender thread would draw me back to
you. It's the only thing I'm ashamed
of--that I used Natalie as means to
keep track of you"
Joyce's eyes were wide as though
new light were breaking upon her.
In that way" the man went on, L
learned about Roger Camerons death.
learned OF the peculiar terms OF his
will. Natalie and her mother were
pretty angry about it-that's no news
to you. BY that time I had left the sea
was free to come to you. Unanswered
to get an invitation from Natalie to
visit here in Riverton. l told you l
wasn't proud of this part of the story.
But was desperate. You had to have
chance to know me. I couldn't risk
a turn down and it was the only
chance. I took it,
Keith drew long breath. twitched
his shoulders uneasily as though reliev-
ing them of burden.
'Well-you know the rest. was here.
And you soon showed you had no use
for me. And I came to feel that had
no right to ask you to give up the
fortune, the home, for the little I had
to offer you. I came to see that was
selfish-but I was just selfish enough
to hang on, stubborn in spite OF 1t all
because I was so crazy for you. And
it was your own words at the last which
drove me away"
My own WordS!" Joyce CALCULATED
hoarsely.
YES. I was in the library one night
you and Kitty were on the veranda
You called me a fortune hunter and
told Kitty you despised me. left the
next morning"
Il thought Oh, I thought
Natalie" Joyce was crying and her
words we're incoherent. She could not
finish and after moment the man
went on.
Il went away-never mind where.
was crazy I think. I couldn't stay and
I couldn't leave you. I hung around in
the city. And then old Con-my
partner and the best friend a man
ever had-came here. He was looking
for me. I hadn't had the heart to
write to him. I was needed at home,
but couldn't go away and leave you"
The man gave little harsh laugh
and continued. We'll he came up here.
He saw Kitty. Dear old Kitty. d. And
it was what he told me when he finally
saw me that brings me here today. He
gained the idea from Kitty that you
were desperately unhappy. I don't
know. I don't know If I'm presumptuous
in this-I haven't much to offer. We
live in q farm building. It's bleak and
ugly There are mighty few comforts.
It's nothing at all to offer an exquisite
woman, but it's all I have to offer at
present. Aside from that-there's only
the fact that I love you. I'll always
love you, Joyce: I'm sure Of that-I've
tried to hate you so! I'm no fortune
hunter"
Jim disregarded her small cry Of
protest and went on.
I'm proving that by insisting that
you marry me now and let the money
go. It's a lot to ask of you, but if you
want me. why-all I have is yours no
matter how little it IS"
Want you'll" A strange voice which
she did not recognize: wild. joyous
voice-"Oh, my dear-how much! I
think I was fighting the love Of you all
the time. I didn't dare give way. I
tried to turn it into hate butt love
you! Nothing matters-just you-just
you@"
Joyce was in Jim's arms, pressing his
face hard against her own so that her
tears smeared them both. She was
lingering his face, as blind person
might finger-trying to impress the
features Of loved one upon the
memory.
II love you. I love you so. :"