Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1876-11-03

II give you hnal answer.
"And for Gods sake" Walter bursts
forth, when is that final answer COM
ing? There are times Sara Prescott,
when | feel like believing that no more
heartless coqutte than yourself ever
drew breath and that you care no more
for me than you care for Ralph Curtis, "
Pardon me. / think that | heard
my my name mentioned"
None other than Ralph Curtis himself
spnke these words.
The vague half-light has now yielded
to the Frightening glimmer of full,
superb moon, whose silver globe hangs
midway between horizon and zenith,
beautifully pendent in the still, blue,
breezeless dusk.
Ralph Curtis, having Just emerged
from behind dark barrier of tall,
heavy shrubbery round which the road
winds, stands facing Walter Crosbio and
Sara, his black-eye, olive-brown counte-
nance fully visible to them both Under
his dark moustachc there plays a bitter,
cynical smile.
Sara utters little scream of dismay
How unexpected, she faltcrs and
then there is a silence among the trio,
which lasts until Walter Crosbic harshly
breaks it.
Very unexpected" he exclaims; and
yet, after all, scarcely inopportune. !,
for one, am glad that it has occurred.
1t gives me, at least, the opportunity of
asking you, in Mr. Curtis presence,
Miss Sara, how much longer you desire
that this absurd masquerade shall con
tinue. With whom to make a sort Of
epigram out of the situation" (whiie he
laughs low, discordant laugh do
you wish TO walk home with, Mr. Curtis
or myself r
And then Ralph Curtis apeafs
promptly:
Il echo MIR. Crosbes question"
Whereupon poor, weak Sara bursts into
tears.
please both go away" she murmurs,
brokenly.
Il can walk home just as well alone
by myself"
Silence
This time it is silence that Ralph
Curtis ends
THAT is no answer Miss Sara"
Right states Walter Crosbie, with
stern cmphusis Ii is no answer
IL can't help it." laments Sara.
please go-both Of you.
Suddenly a fierce flash shoots from Tue
/ night.like ewes of Ral1A
Let there be some decision" he cries,
addressing Walter. IF Miss Prescott
will not make it herself, it is for Us to do
So"
Il do not understand, +" replies Walter
Raj 5h draws near TO him
II beg your pardon" he commences
speaking to Sara and then there follows
between the two men an inaudible wIis-
pered conference which she, who wit
nessos it, watches aud wonders at.
The conference continues nearly five
minutes; and at last Ralph Curtis tufas
toward Sara.
"bliss Prescott. Mr.. Crosbie and !
have formed compact together Do yon
see whore yonder road emerges from
those clunps Of shrubbcry Z"
Yes" answers the puzzled girl, in
right puzzled tones.
Very well We desire you to wait
here We viii disappear. When you
next see either Of US it will be as he adj
vanees toward you, doubtless at fullest
running speed along that same road.
One will 10 all probability win tie race
which we propose to run, but II it
proves neck-and-nock race, then
then"
Then r questions Sara, with tremb.
| ling voice.
"Then,' Walter Crosbe here breaks
in, 'you wiW cdlb home alone. Do you
quite understand, Miss Sara {? Think,
for moment. and feel sure that further
explanation will be useless"
"I-I--havc thought" qnivcrs Sara.
'and-and-~I think II AIN sure, indeed
that understand"
Very well" exclaimed walter. "De
you consent to such an arrangement,
strange and wild as it seems Reflect
for a moment before replying
EaId CoNtIo itf itcc, lili pHiSiFGly. VIII
both hands, and remains III this attitude
for brief while Then she uncogers
her face again. aud cries out, in tones
almost fierce from intense excitement:
Il have reflected and I consent"
= y Il
Sara standing quite alone now, in the
clear, perfect moonlight Anound her
CLEAN the shadowy lawns, broken with
their great, dusk masses Of foliage. Her
eyes are fixed intently upon that frag-
ment Of opposite road which its skirtiug
strawberries allow her to see She j.
MISUNDERSTANDING with strained anxious
ear, aud with every nerve on the qa'
Uicc Of expectancy
Presently there is the distinct sound
at what seems considerable distance,
of rapid, advancing feet. Sara's eye.
fairly dilate, aud her head stretches it.
self forward in the Wild eagerness Of hei
feelings
The steps come nearer, nearer--heavy