Beth Norvell

The young man was unsatisfied, and, without doubt, his face quite

clearly exhibited his true feeling. Yet there was that about her

constrained manner which held him to respectful silence, so that for a

moment the hesitation between them grew almost painful. Miss Norvell,

realizing this new danger, struggled weakly against sudden temptation

to throw herself unreservedly upon the mercy of this new friend,

confide wholly in him, accept his proffered aid, and flee from possible

coming trouble. But pride proved even stronger than fear, and her lips

closed in firm resolution.

"Mr. Winston," she said, and now her eyes were uplifted unfaltering to

his own. "I find myself obliged to speak with a frankness I have hoped

to avoid. It was never my desire that you should call for me at the

theatre to-night."

"Indeed?" His surprised tone clearly exhibited the sudden hurt of the

wound.

"Yes; yet, pray do not misunderstand me. I find it exceedingly

difficult to say this, and I confess I have even prayed that you would

be led to go away voluntarily, and without its being necessary for me

to appear discourteous. I appreciate your kindness, your gentlemanly

conduct. I--I greatly value your friendship, prize it more highly,

possibly, than you will ever be able to realize; yet, believe me, there

are reasons why I cannot permit you to--to be with me any longer in

this way. It is for your sake, as well as my own, that I am driven to

speak thus frankly, and I am certain you will not add to my pain, my

embarrassment, by asking more definite explanation."

His heart beating like a trip-hammer, Winston stood motionless, staring

into the girl's appealing face, suddenly aroused to her full meaning,

and as thoroughly awakened to a conception of what she really had

become to him. The thought of losing her, losing her perhaps to

another, seemed to chill his very soul.

"Assuredly, I will respect your secret," he answered, mastering his

voice with an effort. "I understand when I am bowled out. What is it

you desire me to do?"

He could not perceive in that dim light the sudden mist of tears

clouding her eyes, but she lifted her gloved hand and swept them aside.

"It is not easy to say such things, yet I must. I wish you to go away;

go back to Denver," she exclaimed; then, all at once, her strained

voice broke into a little sob. "I cannot stand your presence here!"

That last impetuous sentence burst through his armor of constraint, and

for the instant he forgot everything but that thoughtless confession.

She read it in his face, and as quickly flung forth her hand in

warning, but he only grasped it tightly within his own.

"You cannot stand it!" he cried in passionate eagerness. "Then you

must care for me? You must love me, Beth?"