The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1881-07-21
LOVES CONQUEST.

In the old time honored well
LOVES CONQUEST.
An idle boat, with idle oars, floating i'd,
down with the current of calm, smooth
lake, on whose placid breast the moonbesml
played at will
Such the picture, had one been mere
spectators to the mimic scene; but to thu
two actors, surroundings were lost sight Of
they thought only Of themselves.
Mocking the moon-rays, when they
glanced upward, they could see on the
bank above them the twinkling lights Of
Riverdene, and hear the merry voices and
gay laughter of the group from which they
had escaped.
Arch smiles had passed between its mem
bers as they had seen Gwendoline Cassilis
and Colonel Hitler stroll off, arm in arm,
to where the little boat was moored.
The women had almost ceased to be jeal-
GUS of Gwendollne, or to ask where lay
her charms. She exercised her fascination
even among them as among men, and they
bowed before her-frst from necessity.
then from choice.
But though her victims were countless,
she was twenty three, and Gwendoline
Cassilis still. However this time she had
encountered-th little world at Lady
Southwelps country seat said-a foeman
worthy Of her steel.
What she was among men, Claude Hi]lier
was among women. Therefore, seeing
those two brought beneath the same roof,
and thrown into daily intercourse, rumor
was rife, and speculation awaited results
with bated breath. Meantime the little
boat foated calmly on the quiet surface of
the lake. -",
Miss Cassilisr'
It was the first word either had spoken in
full five minutes. a
She glanced up at the speaker. The white
lace thrown carelessly upon her dark hair,
out from which peered the beautiful, pale
face, lent her some Of the moons mystic
charm; but meeting the magnetic gaze of
the dark, earnest eyes bent upon her, hers
fell for an instant; then, as though ashamed
of the momentary weakness, and again
shot aequestioning look into the handsome
face of the beau sabreur who sat opposite
her. .- z" 800
Miss Cassilis, he repeated, slowly, did
you know that we were in danger?"
I'm danger?' @
Her cheek grew shade paler. She
majestically the Goddess of Night--doWn
into the dark depths Of the waters, only to
see Luna's brilliancy reflected there
around, about her. Not a leafet stirred.
NO" he said, in answer to her look, mot
from any of these. The moon, the wind,
the water, all are our friends tonight. We
are in danger from each other"
Oh, how she prayed the moon might fail
to make apparent the instant flushing of hot
blood to her cheek! She felt it glow, like
warm crimson rose, even while she raised
her little head almost defantly, as though
to hprl challenge at his audacity.
Men had made love to her in many forms,
but always as suppliants. This man dared
suppose her in equal danger with himself!
You deal in enigmas, Colonel Hillier,"
she returned, haughtily. Il am accustomed
to plain speech"
Rather say that plain speech is to you an
unknown tongue, and that am the first
man who has dared to speak frankly.
Would you have me more open still? You
shall have your wish. A week longer un-
der the same roof with you, week more of
exposure to your maddening Vaccinations,
and my ship would 90 to wreck and ruin
on the bar; unless"-he leaned nearer, his
voice grew softer, more full Of tender feel
ing, and his hand fell on hers very lightly,
but with caressing grace" unless, Gwen
doline, you would let it float your pennon
and guide it into the safe harbor Of your
love"
She had been wooed many times, in many
chimes, and by many men, but naught had
ever moved her as this wooing, on this
moonlight night in June. Yet this man
had dared to tell her that in another week
this might come to pass.
Others had sworn to go from her presence
to put an end to the existance she had
rendered miserable; or had vowed that
henceforth woman's smile would be gall
and wermwood; or pleaded that she had
shorn their manhood of it's strength, and
rendered their life burden.
This one done none of these things.
While his strength was yet his he saw and
met the danger.
"a week hence" she said to herself, bit
terly, and the fame might SINCE him.
Now his wings are all unscorched. He
does not say, I love your He says, In
time might love you
Was he thus to win SO easy victory?
Not SO.
Let us go home" she interrupted, with
little shiyer. 1T is growing chill"
"Gwendoline Cassilis, is this my answer?
Have you none other to give me?"
Your answer" with an assumption of
surprise. II was not aware of any ques-
zion"
you shall not even have this excuse.
Will you be my wife?"
His voice was stern now--stern to harsh
ness-and his grasp frightened on Ler hand.
You hurt me, Colonel Hitler, /" she COM
planned petulantly making an effort to with
draw her fingers.
Instantly he released her.
L see that have hurt you" he returned,
courteously, and took up the idle oars.
Pardon me-" he continued, IT will not
offend again. 1t is time We were return
ing"
A few bold strokes, and the boats keel
grated on the shore. Ten minutes later.
and the two re- appeared in their hostess
tastefully- appointed drawing room.
A group of men instantly gathered about
Miss Cassilis. Never had her laugh rune
out more clearly, her gay sallies of wit and
repartee been more sparkling; but ever,
from time to time, her eye roved restlessly
to the open window, where, on the lawn
beyond, beneath the tall cedars, shone the
red light from mans cigar.
1t was still there, still cleaning, when
she had gone up to her own room. She
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