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

An idle boat, with idle oars, floating idly
down with the current Of calm, smooth
lake, on whose placid breast the moonbesms
played at will.
spectators to the mimic scene; but to the
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. SO
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-the little world at Lady
Southwells country seat said-a foeman
worthy of her steel.
What she was among men, Claude Hillier
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. a
tsMiss Cassilisw aN 1..-es q. 'sa.safat
It was the first word either had spoken in
full five minutes.
She glanced up at the speaker. The white
lace thrown carelessly upon hey 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, bers
fell for an instant; then, as though ashamed
of the momentary weakness, and again
shot asquestioning look into the handsome
face of the beau sabreur who sat opposite
her.
Miss Cassilis, he repeated, slowly, did
you know that we were in danger?"
I'm danger?" 4
Her cheek grew q shade paler. She
glanced up at the blue vault where sailed SO
majestically the Goddess of Night down
into the dark depths of the waters, only to
around about her. Not 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 to- might. 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
q warm crimson rose, even while she raised
her little head almost defantly, as though
to hurl 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 Hitler,
she returned, haughtily. II am accustomed
to plain speech.
''Rather say that plain speech is to you an
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, q week more Of
exposure to your maddening Vaccinations
and my ship would 60 to wreck and ruin
on the bar; unless"-he leaned nearer, hit
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 penno1
and guide it into the safe harbor of your
love-"
She had been wooed many times, in man,
climes, and by many men, but naught hat
ever moved her as this wooing, on this
moonlight night in June. Yet this maj
had dared to tell her that in another weel
this might come to pass.
Others had sworn to go from her presence
to put an end to the existance she ha'
rendered miserable; or had vowed tina
ho,,oofo,kh uopoo,,'o cs,,,i1o xpon11 ho ool
and NORWOOD; or pleaded that she hat
shorn their manhood of its strength, an
rendered their life a burden.
This one done none Of these things
While his strength was yet his he saw an
met the danger. @
"a week hence" she said to herself, bit
terly, and the fame might SINCE him
Now his wings are all unscorched. 81
does not say, I love your He says, j
time I might love you
Was he thus to win SO easy victory
Not SO.
''Let us 60 home," she interrupted, wit
little shiyer. It is growing chill. :"
"Gwendoline Cassilis, is this my answer
Have you none other to give me?''
"Your answer" with an assumption
zion"
''You shall not even have this excus
Will you be my wife?"
His voice was stern now--stern to harsl
ness-and his grasp frightened on Ler han
'You hurt me, Colonel Hitler" she COZ
planned petulantly making an effort to wit
draw her fingers.
Instantly, he released her.
Il see that have hurt you" he returne
courteously, and took up the idle oal
Pardon me-" he continued, 81 will n
offend again. 1t is time We were retur
ing"
A few bold strokes, and the boats ke
grated on the shore. Ten minutes lat,
and the two re-appeared in their hoste
tastefully appointed drawing room.
A group of men instantly gathered abo
Miss Cassilis. Never had her laugh ru
out more clearly, her gay sallies of wit Al
repartee been more sparkling; but eve
from time to time, her eye roved restless
to the open window, where, on the la,
beyond, beneath the tall cedars, shone t
red light from a mans cigar.
1t was still there, still cleaning, VIII
she had gone up to her own room. S
crossed to the window to pull down
blind, but stood a minute, fascinated, n
tionless.
'After tonight he will forget me-" 6