Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-04-27
VAIERIE1-
HALF p TRUTH.
.RY THE DUCHrsB.~

Yes"
Fanchon was little, and Valerie was tail,
so the girl leaned on the maids shoulder,
and they went down to the drawing room;
but as they were halfway down stairs the
door Of the bifliardroom (Which was near
the drawing-room) opened, and Colonel
Beaure2ard appeared.
ALLOW me-" he said, springing up to
YaIsrie's side and taking her from Fanch-
on why, Valerie, you are getting on
famously. / was just coming to see if you
were in the drawing-roOm, and would care
to finish our game
Il should like to very MUCH" the girl
answered
'Honor bright"
Honor bright"
"Shal wheel the couch near the win
dow" said Max, when he had placed his
young charge on it, and carefully and skill
fully arranged the cushions behind her.
PLEASE"
So the couch was wheeled near the open
window, and the table brought. and the
men set: but all this time Beauregard had
not failed to notice that something had
greatly upset Valerie. She had learned to
wear her mask well; but Max had very
keen perceptions, and love sometimes
brightens even dull perceptions.
81 hope" he said 81 am not imposing on
your good nature You must not let me
do that Valerie"
s'You are not, indeed, should have to
do something, you know; besides | want
to finish this game
"But there would be other opportuni-
ties"
There might not be
Nas drew i'm his breath silently
you must leave on saturday, thenr" he
said, after pause,
1t was folly to proIong his pain, and yet
the words fell from his lips, as It were, I'M
hidden.
Yes" said Valerie, quietly, looking Mt
the board rs if studying the positions. I'VE
have to 20 on to Lord Morton's."
And how long do you stay there"
9TH Thursday; then the Collingwood's
until the following Friday"
1t was Bcaurrgnrd's move. He made it
in silence and at random. Valerie was
thinking how differently would next Sat
urdny evening be passed by her than any
thing her companion supposed. There
was To be It ball too, on the Monday even
ing, and a new ball dress had been ordered
from London, but Valerie would not wear
it. Size did not feel now rs if She should
ever wish to wear Il ball dress again.
And after the Collngwoods?" asked
BeauFcgar presently
"Oh," she answered, carclcsSly, II don't
know what aunt Constancc's plans are"
Max glanced Mt her kccnly, aud thought
ut Aston Iawford's letter Valerie had
read twas debating whether she should
ncccpt the offer il made, or maybe intend
ed to accept it, II was this that troubled
her This Tint made her ignorant Of the
future beyond Il week or two, or if not ig-
norant rrticrnt The soldier set his teeth.
She made Of marriage u mere game of
shuttlcCock, let love say what it would.
II he Max BcHurcgard would not low
or his colors to her, she would not wear
the willow. Why should she2
The game went on, Max gaining surely
on his opponent, till by and by she glanced
up.
NO use going on" she said a may as
well resign. The game is yours"
II think it is.' But hc said it coIdly
Valerie looked nj him again, covcrtly this
time, and with a sudden, impctuous move
mcnt, swept up the game There was no
nerh for that" said 3caurcgard, coolly
'sInce you had resigned
Valerie leaned back on her cushions, II
little ashamed of her outbreak, but the fact
was her whole mental atmosphere was
charged with electricity; her nerves were
Vt II tension that would not bear much
more straiuing.
Bcaurcgald put the chessmcn in their
box and rose.
81 am sorry ! asked you to play, " he said,
in "A changed, u sortcned manner II dop't
think YOU were in the mood can fetch
any hool, for youyo
mo. thanks. | was rs much in fine mood
for chess rs for ANYTHING else am not
good company for anyone lust now she
added. "A little confuscdIy feeling TINT
some explanation was required, but assur-
eddy not making it very happiIv
You shall not hc troubled with mine.
then, Valerie: but don't think Won have
much chance of solitude here. if that Is
what Won wish
II didn't mcou tn bo so ,.,,r ~ s,c,pcd
Colonel Reaurcgard. " said the poor child
alone. and don't wish tobecither Ihaye
been worried that's all"
Il know it. Valerie" said Deaurcgard
in a Low voice. .and | think know
wish"
lie stopped ana turned AWAY abruDtlv,
crushing back the words ON his tongue
lie must not say them. he had no right to
say them and now could he trust himself?
Il wish yuu would be true to your better
nature: cast of the droSs and let the pure
gold come to the surface"
No; if lac spoke like this how much more
might he not say? And he could not cuun-
sci Valerie as Il friend, for il was not as a
friend he loved her. not rs n friend she re-
gardcd him
The girl half OWNED the uuuttcrrd
words. and held her breath. trembling in
wnrdly as she watched Rraurprard cross
The room.
He turned back in n minute or two and
paused 10y the couch. looking down ON the
girl. Her head was dropping; she dared
not raise her eyes to his
"Ihnve m r,,,var IA. b,lr.,,,, ,, Il, soil
aftern moments silence, and his voice
shook; 1T is too late for that, And prr-
hans may he ,yrunviu,r Won Int If mn
stems sounded without Re,ure,,ar1 bont
down ana la'd ms hand on the bowed gold
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