"It is true," she said sadly. "Halsey, you must not try to see me

again. As soon as I can, I am going away from here--where you are all

so much kinder than I deserve. And whatever you hear about me, try to

think as well of me as you can. I am going to marry--another man. How

you must hate me--hate me!"

I could hear Halsey cross the room to the window. Then, after a pause,

he went back to her again. I could hardly sit still; I wanted to go in

and give her a good shaking.

"Then it's all over," he was saying with a long breath. "The plans we

made together, the hopes, the--all of it--over! Well, I'll not be a

Advertisement..

baby, and I'll give you up the minute you say 'I don't love you and I

do love--some one else'!"

"I can not say that," she breathed, "but, very soon, I shall marry--the

other man."

I could hear Halsey's low triumphant laugh.

"I defy him," he said. "Sweetheart, as long as you care for me, I am

not afraid."

The wind slammed the door between the two rooms just then, and I could

hear nothing more, although I moved my chair quite close. After a

discreet interval, I went into the other room, and found Louise alone.

She was staring with sad eyes at the cherub painted on the ceiling over

the bed, and because she looked tired I did not disturb her.




Most Popular