Daily Republican., 1885-07-22

him, 1t was 90 full of trust and b lppi.
ness and blind alteration.
Yes, l believo in you," she answer.
cd simply. Why should l not
You found me a lonely, untutored girl,
you sought me day after day till my
pride gave way and confessed my
love. l must have faith in you, Gerard,
or there would be nothing worth living
for now"
Gerard smiled fondly, but his eyes
looked out over the water ref ,ctive,y
"Yet you were content before we
met, he added slowly.
Because did not know. Father
was all had lo care for then, ye. II
was never content. There was SONS 9.
hing lacking in my life was al ways
lonely, so lonely-you cannot realize
it,"
A tremor had crept into her tones aud
her face was flushing Gerard drew
her to him and bent his handsome head
to kiss the quivering lips.
My poor little girl, he whispered.
and to himself he wac saying, can
not tell her now. Fool that have
been, why was not warned in time"
The hours sped briefly. Saloms never
thought of the lapse of time when iu
the presencs Of the man she loved, and
the old fascination, though weaker
still held Gerald Erlton in its thrall.
As the day waned a chillness crept
into the air, and Salome drew her bright
scarf closer.
1t is easy now to realizs that sum.
mer is almost gone" she said.
Gerard turned abruptly.
Have you thought that with the
summer the visitors, too, take their de-
parture ?" he asked.
His tones were significant. The girl
shivered little and looked at him with
great, startled eyes.
Yes, but you"
have not spoken of it before. did
not like to broach the subject, but am
going to morrow"
So soon.''
| Just those two simple words, but the
tone was inexpressible. Salome drew
away with her brown hands clasped
together, and a strange look on her
face.
You are going to leave me :" she ut
tered. the words falling from her lips
mOnotonously.
Gerard averted his gaze and flash
swept over the handsome blonde facs.
He had foreseen this difficulty long
ago, he had conjured up fine words
with which to extenuate himself and
appeass the girl, hut now he was silent,
speechless beneath the intensity of her
voice, the look in her eyes.
ooh, you cannot mean that" she
lcried p.teously, extending her hands.
l"Gerad, speak, tell me the truth"
~ have been to blame" he said, his
f,,rr nd t. L.,
tracte1 by your beauty, your artless
simplicity, aud so-what can l say in
extenuation | have been selfish
not intend to call forth false hopes.
Try, a pastime, for US both. 1 am be
trothed to Airline Chesterfield.
have done you wrong, butt au
going away-you-you must forge
lmei"
She never spoke while he faltered ou
the words in low, hesitating tones, neve
moved, but stood there like carve
statue, her slim hands pressed upol
her heart, her face wh ite and rigid, he
leyes fixed upon the shamed, averte
G ountenance Of the man before her.
"Salome!" he cried in terror, AZ hi
gaze fell upon her, but she stepped bac
aud wave Of color swept over her fact
her arms fell at her side and she smi lie
up into his eyes.
"I shall forget" she said slowl,
"Is it not time you returned to Il
village? Come, I will row you owe r
He followed her down the beach to tt
little row boat, wondering at this ne
lphase in the girls character.
Perhaps she cares less than though
after all" he reflected. All, well,
Is better SOL"
Not q word was spoken as the bo,
skim med over the waters. Salomo pile
the oars with her eyes downcast and b,
lips pressed together.
"Am forgiven ?" asked Gerard, a
the landing.
She looked back at him over b,
shoulder, and he saw in her face SOM
: thing that startled him
Goodbye" she said simply.
!, He stood there near the edge of th
little wharf, and watchedIher az she rov
ed away. 1t was sunset, and the gol
4 and rose and violet hues made tt
scene glorious.
!, On the little boat driftei, with tina
dark, solitary figure at the bow, an
. then the silent watcher saw her rail-
j and stand erect. She was too far fl
him to see that awful look in her eye
!, but her face was turned toward hill
and her arms outstretched.
There was a sudden leap, splashin
J of water, a cry of horror from the ma
y ON the shore; two hands r0s above IL
waves and n CLEAN of scarlet clotl
= then all was still, and tbs little bo,
o floated on alone.