The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1886-03-26
CHAPTER V.
AFTER THE DANCE.

1t is many hours later, and the dance
is at its best and gayeSt. The sound of
music and the delicate perfume of dy-
ing flowers are in the air.
The rooms are. filed with all that
London can afford of its brightest, and
highest. and best; and pretty women in
toilets almost as desirable as themselves
are smiling and waving their fans, and
doing all the damage that soft eyes and
softer speech are supposed to do.
1t is the third waltz, and the band is
PLAYING Mon Reve." In Dick Penrud-
docks opinion it is the waltz of the
evening, as his arm is round Maud Ne
vile, and her perfect head is very near
his own.
He is as happy as man can be who
holds all he deems most precious for
one moment to his heart, knowing that
the next might separate them forever.
Presently they pause to rest, and find
themselves near the door of acOnserva-
tory.
Are you tired?" asks he, seeing she
sighs, and raises one hand in a half
Wearied fashion to smooth back some
loose hairs that have wandered across
her forehead. Come in here, and sit
down for little while"
He tightens his arm on the hand rest
ing upon it, and moves toward the cool
retreat before them.
"If you wish it." replies she, uncer-
tainly and with some slight hesitation
i'll her manner.
% Yet she goes with him into the dimly
lighted conservatory, where q little
fountain is plashing, sending forth a
cold. sweet music of its own, and whe re
green leaves are glistening calmly be
meath the beams of the Subdued lamps.
The time-the hour-the very drip.
drip of the fOuntain--all bespeak lOueli-
ness: and to feel ones self alone with
a beloved object, as rule. kills wis
dom.
Penruddock. who all day long has
been enduring suspense. and an uncer-
tainty that borders on hope, suddenly
loses his head. Laying his hand on
Maud's, he bends down TO her. and
whispers something in 4 soft, impas-
stoned voice.
The girl appears neither startled nor
surprised. and when she speaks. her
tone, though perhaps a shade slower
than usual, is lirmer than ever.
Only she changes color, and grows
pale until her very lips are bloodless.
You speak without thought OF re-
tlectiOn." she says, gently. You have
considered nothing. No, no; do notin-
terrupt me. | am sorry this has occur
red; but there is no reason why we
should not forget what you have Just
said. and be good friends as we were
before"
There IS a reason, and strong one, +"
returns he, very quietly now; land as
to our being mere friends, that is quite
out of the question. Do yOu imagine
me an impulsive boy to say thing one
moment and regret it the next? Ihaye
dared to say tonight what have want
ed to say for many DAYS. And [ must
have my answer now"
And my birth-have you forgotten
that?" demanded she, looking at him
fixedly.
Il have forgotten nothing. But to
me it makes no difference. Princess OF
peasant. how can it matter? / love
| YOU. Darling" said the young man
| very earnestly taking both her hands
and holding them closely, i implore
you to believe in my love! Take time
| for refection-consjder we'll | entreai
YOU to give me no hurried answer"
Il do not hurry" returns she. in Z
strange tone; Il will not even argue
| with vou. Let us say no more aboat
it: and please let my hands go Mr. Pen
ruddock. | can not marry yOu-indeed
can not"
@But why?-at least. tell me that
/ demands he, desperately, refusing K
release. her hands. Maud answer me
DO you-is it true that you love anoth
er better. and that is why you can no
J care for meT"
aNo: that is untrue" replies she Will
quick pain i'm voice and eyes. Il low,
no one better than you; which means
of course hurriediy. and with sa'
little qnivering laugh-~that love ne
one. You will understand me?"
"Only too we'll returns he sadly
He lifts her hands, and kisses then
separately. in forlorn, lingering fash
ion. and yet there is some talk o
Stretton," he says, miserably, his fac
haggard and unhappy.
a'Fhat report is false" she SAYS, slow
".
Then. after faint hesitation. sh
! raises her head and regards him wit
earnest attention.