The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1884-08-07

during his life." He spoke constrain-
edly.
"You think he would fear to do SOP"
Il know it, hc said, in voice OF
pain.
But" sho said, nrgumentntivcly, Il
nm sure know women better than you
do: and / am confident it would bc the
best thing possible. Besides, tile
woman who would allow il to make
difference would be unworthy Of his
love or friendship"
"Yon mean what You say2' hc asked,
rather breathlcssly.
"Of course do
And you would not change, if-if
you we're she?'
Il should only think tho more Of him
for having trusted me-
Gordon was silent for q moment.
Then he made movement to put his
hand in an inner pocket of his coat.
Il l have his picture here" he said,
with some effort. i will show it to
yo,,
Hebrew the small card portrait forth,
and slowly reached it to her. Then
l,e turned away his face and was ST.
lent.
10" she said, half laughing, "you
have made a mistake, dear. You have
given me yours instead Of his.
Gordon had risen to his feet. She
did not understand. Need hc cx-
plain? 1t was not too late. Not too
late. Need he 60 farther?--there was
yet escape.
He stood so, without uttering word.
Perhaps it was but moments space.
| Yet to him it seemed an age. An age!
And u struggle was going on in his
heart. A terrible struggle. His brain
whirlcd fairly, and strange lights danced
before his eyes.
He heard her last light words mock
ing him: "You have given me yours
instead Of his. You have made mis-
take!"
1t was not too late. And some demon
was tempting him.
Suddenly the lights ceased to dance
before his eyes; the roaring sound was
quiet in his ears. He was himself once
more, and calm rs the dead.
Il have made"-he faltered some
what nevertheless. Il have made-no
mistake. gave youths picture" I"
| He dared not look at her.
She gave cry, rs if he had struck
and almost stunned her.
you, You, o, Louis!"
Her voice was faint and horror-sick.
ened.
4 knew i'll" he cried. II knew it.
release you!"
And, turning, he rushed away down
the path and out at the gate.
She watched him GO; she did not re-
call him, but stood silent in the MOON
/ light; and the vine shadows crept slowly
about her feet.
"Heavens!" she said, shuddering.
"How-how things come home to one,
ut times! How easy it is to talk!
How he shocked me-"
She stood there still; she had not
moved since he left her. The wind was
signing softly among the fragrant vines.
The moonlight was more beautiful than
| ever.
After long time she stirred little,
and found that she was weeping without
her own consent or knowledge. Weep.
ing softly! and saying something over
and over to herself with passionate de.
light:
How brave he was! How brave he
was!n
And now she started, and. hurryine
down to the gate, looked eagerly to see
If he were not returning.
Even she went ont into the road, in
the direction she knew he must have
| A.. H.
first turn, and into the other street
Could she not find him? Was she te
look always in vain? Must she wait
until tomorrow?
She turned to 60 back, and had
reached the corner, when some one
stood before her.
"Peaee!"
It was his voice, husky with agita
tion.
.Louis / have been looking every
where for You" she cried, with infinite
relief. Il thought was sure-yor
wouldn't 60 without bidding me good
night
And you-understand?
She laid both hands upon his shoul
ders; she had recovered her serenity
and could look up tenderly with hel
soft eyes yet moist. Il understand,
she said, gently. And now suppos,
We agree to forget all that We hav,
so much happiness to consider, presen
and future, We have no time for gloom.
4 He drew her face upon his breast
for the moment he was weak as eve
woman. Perhaps she heard him sob
MY darling!" he said, brokenly; IN,
faithful darling"