The Daily Alaska empire., 1933-01-26

i He waited. He saw her swallow convulsively. At last
 You may say all that you have
 to say, MT. Armitage, and then you'll leave this house-my house and Marks"
 Better" he approved, There "a savagery under that. Once you
 feel definitely that you hate me, we've made a start" You flatter yourself there. don't hate you for what you've been saying to me I hate you only because you have it in your power to give Mark health and happiness and fame.
 You actually have it in your power and instead of doing it, you bubble and moralize about the nature of my love for him! didn't know-I didn't dream that anything as ungenerous as you could exist"
 Better and better! That's real ly a very good dig because it has shown me up to myself. I'm al- most sorry that I can counter it." "How?"
 By agreeing to do all those things for Mark" She took an uncertain step back wards. He thought she swayed little and he stood ready to catch her She stared at hom, her eyes wide and fixed.
 You mean that?"
 Certainly I mean it! Or course I can't promise health and suc- cess for him, as if they were penny's worth of candy. But I'll do my utmost. And you, in re- turn"
 He paused and saw the terror darken in her eyes.
 No, mo-" he said gently. You have lived too long among half shadows and hidden meanings and lord knows what. Real life isn't a bit like that. I want you. in return for my willingness to remodel Mark, to promise me that you won't marry him, well or ill, for year at least"
 Tn a year, will he be well?"
 That's for the doctors to say but probably in a year it will be clear what kind of a life can be made for him"
 { For moment she was silent: then she burst out passionately with:
 How can I understand you? After all you've said to me, how can I believe that you'll do these things for Mark? Whether they are successful or not, I shall mar ry him. What do you get?"
 You"
 I've told you-and told you why should I want to marry you? Ever?" Because when Marks well, mak- ing money, enjoying himself, you will be spirit-free. You'll be free to cooSe your man and you'll choose me. I'm a sounder choice than a rich, famous, cheerful Mark and you know it." \ "Never!"
 Well, will you give me that year?"
 She did sway now and he caught her. She lay against his shoul- der for the second time that day, and for the second time he laugh ed down at her.
 Give me that year?"
 "Yes."
 She made no effort to escape his arms as he quietly held her.
 Very we'll And on Thursday, I start work on Mark. And now. I'll take you back to Kings Nal lard"
 He felt her shake her head.
 No, I want to stay here"
 "As you please"
 He drew the wooden chair to- wards him with his foot and low cred her into it. She sat as though bereft of strength; nevertheless. he thought there was a faint dis appointment in the set of her lips and he laughed once more but this time silently.
 "As you please" repeated. He stopped, picked up the emerald and held it out to her. When she drew violently away from it, he dropped it into his own pocket and, without any kind of farewell, he left her,
 As he slammed the door of the odious little house behind him. he suspected that inquisitive curtains fluttered next door. He glared at them as he got back into the Devalet.
 Give 'em something to talk about" he muttered! he drew a | rug over his knees, turned up his coat collar and lit a cigarette.