Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1886-12-09
nearest to him as he approached the

he Is too much Ill Tor tnlS nlpHt, anu
also for Sunday, he thinks. But If 1t
is pleasing l sing mis- part for all. p"
Miss Prot only bowed and smiled
but did not speak. There was great
reason for her silence. ShN bad fallen
in love with this young mall. of whose
existence she had been aware three
secondsl 1t is not to be wondered at
that. in the confusion of her senses,
she had also, for the moment, mislald
her voice.
$50 very glad" said Lucy Crumm,
all animation, and treasured on the
score of the quartet; ''but so very sorry
to hear Mr. Brande is i'll. Nothing
serious, hope? We were inst wonder
ing how we should manage. You read,
] suppose? Mr.. Aiken, will youplease
hand-thanks. We intended to re-
hearse this quartet. All aloLg here is
Mr.. Brande's part-the tenor's; the
! bass comes in next below; but, OF
course.0you understands"
''Oh. yes-yes!''
He was already humming through
the bars of the music she had placed
lin his hand, like one sure of his
ground.
miss Pirot!'
Miss Prot started visibly, then
walked over quickly to her place with
a heightened color. When had she
ever before needed summons to duty?
No one appeared to notice her embar-
on the open books, and Miss Crumm's
strong fingers were pressing the keys.
1t was a wretched night; the rain fell
in torrents, a chilly wind was blowing,
the streets were wet and dismal, and
Marie Prot was walking under an UNI
brella with Gustave WetZel and cling
ing fondly to his arm. aThe rain was
binding her somewhat, but her tears
were binding her stilR more-furtive,
bitter tears, such as women often weep,
Unknown to all the world. The
crowded street cars passed them every
minute or two, but Marie had refused
to ride. This was the last time they
would ever walk together-the last of
many, many times. She could not
afford to shorten these few sad moments
of parting and farewell. He had come
to the choir that evening 4OnlS to tell
them that he had been Suddenly called
back to Germany and must sail in the
morning; but he had stayed and sang
over with Marie some of the old
duets, and now theg were walking
home together, slowly through all the
storm, by the way they had learned TIC
know so we'll.
At first few words were spoken be-
tween them. Marie felt only the
thrills of unreasoning love- the de-
light of contact, the bliss q this dual
solitude encircled by gain and storm
and darkness. To her it mattered lie
tie what they said or where they went.
so that they were 6Ogether; and to-
morrow was pushed as Ear from her
horizon as if it were twenty Years
away. But all the truth came back on
her like 4 shock when &1ustaVe's voice
said, gently:
Il must thank YOU Hiss Prot. FOG
the kindness yoG have gwen 90 me al
ways-to me- stranger; all these
pleasant walks and our music, 60
eether. Z shall often think of Your
lovely voice when L am far away
1--WE have indeed had pleasant
times,@ she answered bravely and
clearly, after a moments pause. s-But
why need you go il you have been
-happy-here? Ah, you-you have
not many Eegrets. Eou are glad I
think?"
Indeed. I am glad.'' and glad his
Face looked-eXcited and eager. ''It
is a grand opportunity now that offers.
You can understand, il one has been
planning long and waiting. that one
might be- glad to see the fultillment
near.9
Yes" said Marie. THAT one word
only. and in her voice was the huski-
ness that comes with tears.
''Ah, well, q see my way now cleaR,"
he continues, gaylV and brightly. AL
Of l,
went on beside him, he poured out the
story of his disappointments in the
past-os his plans and visions for the
future. Marie listened silently. 1t
seemed each mome>t that Che tide Of
her emotion must burst all bonds and
carry 9th it the fine reserve Of her
nature, its wOmanly dignity and pride,
She called up all her strength at last
III a desperate effort.
e's must leave you hereo7 she said.
stopping suddenly at the corner OF
Eourth avenue. ',G-E have some busi-
ness to dol will say goodnight aad
good-bye. I hope gou may have =
pleasant journey.
@,But surely not! I can not ieave
you in 9his storm. Let me escort you
where Yen wish Go go-s6 dark and
such. a rain!''
u have any own umbeella here
She 4aised it as she spoke. s.Thank
You, very. very much, but I prefer to
go alone. And you know" smiling
strangely AZ hinas Il shall have 80 do
without your escort altogether after
this. You have been most kind
She broke off suddenly and busted her
self with the fastening of her cloak,
then held out her hand Goodbye"
she said, abruptlys
Goodbye. Miss Piroa il it must be
soft you wish it,
"Oh. yes. Paintings, G think. should
never be prolonged. . hope you will