Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-03-29
u.-REJECTED.

AhO 1"O ihcl dlteT THAT. janet
lived in neat little cottage not far from the sta
ton. Her mother was dead. and she supported
an invalid father with her earnings.
Gale Cardonne visited her at the cottage sent
her books and flowers and sometimes walked
with her in the woods that stretched between
NorthbrOok and the cottage.
Having seen so much Of the world, being rich,
handsome and pleasant talker, 1t was no won
der That She became fond of his society. He in
turn, was very much fascinated by her, and
sometimes wondered why. He had mingled a
great deal in society, and had met with many
beautiful and accomplished ladies', while she
was but quiet, demure, ordnary-looking girl.
However. he was not the only man who tried to
IND his way out of such quandary.
He proposed to her one evening. They were
standing beside the cottage gate. The stars
were shining softly overhead; the young moon
was just visible above the lOw-lying hills; sub
tie resinOus OdOr was waited from the woods:
the frogs crOaked in the meadows; an owl called
to his mate from his perch under the caves of
the mill.
Why was Janet so long In replying to Gale
CardOnnes passionate appeal? He saw the color
come and 90 in her face. He saw her lips
tighten.
Il am so sorry" she said at last, with gasp,
her frame trembling.
Sorry" repeated he, feeling little dazed
'because have proposed to you?"
because l am constrained to decline your
1t required bravery to speak these words. die
tated by duty. when love and desire wanted so
niuch to rebel.
oh" calculated Gale Cardonne, rcddening,
and biting his upper lip.
His hand was a braWny one, and she saw how
tightly it closed on the upper rail of the gate,
II knew the reason: he asked
You will not insist" she said appealingly,
catching her breath
Evidently it exists In myself" he rejoined
mo, Mr.. Cardonne."
She spoke with rapdty and with a quick
fling of her hand.
Perhaps time, Janet"
No" she interrupted. "It will always
exist"
He had used the word exist. aud she seemed
to think II was Just the one to serve her.
Janet, you are the first woman to whom I
ever proposed" he huskiiy said THAT is true.
though have almost reached middle age"
Il believe you SIR" she answered humbly.
regretfully Il appreciate the honor you have
paid me. / am sorry"
He did not want her pity. He felt like Selling
her and finging her down the embankment:
but by great effort he curbed his temper
Il am too polite to Insist upon knowing your
reason ne said. You might say ] have not
the right to demand it, and don't know but
that would be the truth. am grievously dis
appointed, and it is such q novel, and such a.
a-wretched experience to me that | don't
know where to look for redress-or for COM
ioit, idtheT. lou WISH me 10 understand that
cilasm yawnS between US"
which can never be bridged" COMPLETED
she, her tone hrm. though she trembled as he
could lin the starlight.
He lifted his hand to his cravat as II to relieve
choking sensation there
Il can do nothing but submit " he slowly rua
fully said.
He strobe angriy down the path, but stopped,
turned and called out:
Good night. Janet"
The resigned, pitiful tone made her heart ache
as 1t had never ached before
Good night. Mr.. CardOnne." she f1unu hack
startled at the sound of her voice, it was so nm
like her own.
She stood alone for a few minutes in her
agony, her fingers twisted into q knot an asben
palior in her face.
III.-"YET 1 LOVE YOU, SIR"
week later Janet Thorne met Gale Oardonne
at the gate Of Northbrook. She had stopped to
deliver q dispatch. He took 1t, but eyed her
askance, his face rigid He noticed that she
looked worried and that her hand shook
THANK YOU" he crispy said, turning to 60.
''Mr. Cardonne."
Her tone was quick, decisive, tinged with
desperation.
He wheeled around She stood still for a mo-
ment, white and speechless. She was having q
fierce fight with herself.
'You despise me-" she said huskily.
why, no, child" He spoke the epithet in
tenderness, not because she looked so chldllke
nor because he was dozen years her senior
81 am very miserable over 1t, but cannot
blame you," he said, ''unless II may be because
you have no business TO be so charming" and a
queer smile came to his lips.
She lifted her hand in a self-deprecating way
''There is something 1 must tell you," she
slowly said, looking past him into vacancy. "In
justice TO myself, sir, and hope you won't
think me bold. rejected You, and yet love
you, sir. How deeply. God knows!"
The sweet gray eyes were looking directly at
him then, q warm glow in them. His heart gave
a bound.
Janet. you have reconsideredi'
She shook her head.