Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-01-14

ing 70 tho nerves mter tnc town fcveff"
Then looking at her and marking tho cx.
trcmc repose Of her bearing, that almost
borders upon lassitrde, he says gently,
"Tiredy"
"No."
She brightens up with an effort and
smiles at him IN her kindest fashion.
der thoughts are tanglcd-her mind per-
snrbed. Both arc far from the busy
scene before her. A sense Of despair, OF
inability to cove In the pnth that
stretched out 80 temptingly TO her view,
has saddened her eyes and given q
mournful curve to her beautiful mouth.
Her days passed here with Maurice Duran
have been infinitely sweeter TO her than
ever she had dreamed they might be. The
very nearness Of their companionship had
had its charm, and though no word Of
love had come from his lips, still, eyes
can speak when words are forbidden; and
though honor renders one dumb, who can
prevent the sense Of g.adncss that comes
with the touch Of one beloved!
Sweet days! too sweet to last--and
swift rs sweet. A whole fortnight has
gone by-two weeks crowded with such
exquisite recollections as will tunhap-
PLY cling to her for all her life. And
now IL Is the lGth-to morrow will be tho
night Of the grand ball, given In honor Of
Capt. Boylc's birthday, who Is expected to
arrivo about an hour before II opens,
and then Another cruelty blissfM
week, perhaps, and after that return to
town, and-a hurried wedding! Then
exile from all that has made life no'only
endurable but perfect.
Sometimes thought Of Paul Anncrley
has crosscd her mind, but, rs y rule, she
has rcsolutely put all remembrance OF
him far from her. She had told herself
that this one holiday at least should be
her own. Afterward let oblivion, let mis-
cry come, but Just for these few happy
days she would let utter Joy hold sway.
She had heard nothing of her future hus-
band since her departure, and II at times
Il had occurred TO her as strange that he
had not written TO her from those for
eign cities. whittier his search OF the rob-
ber Of the famous sapphires led him, the
sense OF relief In not having 10 write To
him swallowed up all such wonder.
"HOw should feel tiredi" she says
now, smiling at Gerald Massareene, who
has become quite n friend VI hers.
lie has found In her an ally-a certain
partisan, who derides the notion OF MILL
cents ever consenting TO fulfill her love
less engagement TO Capt. Boyle while
her heart Is given TO another. That other,
now stretched at the pretty partisan's
feet, Is quite willing to accept her read
ing Of the situation. Though Millicent
herself has been somewhat difficult to
understand, a little vague In her answers,
trife willful, In q degree-a marked
degrce-averse to being brought to the
point, still Mr.. Massareene Is inclined To
believe In the creed of his pretty confdante
when she declares herself ready to affirm
publicly her belief In the cOnstnncy of his
fair, II rather trying, love.
"Wcll. I'm glad you are not, says he
pleasantly, alluding to her assertion that
she knows no fatigue. 'ro-night
there will he an influx Of guests. or
dercd, like the supper, for tomorrow
night, aud Il would not do TO ie In poor
form. You look pale, however"
"Are many coming:" Enough 70
make us put on our best bib and tucker
and our choicest manners. You will
have TO make your very best bow To the
lord lieutenant Of the county, and to
smirk at n youthful II very famous gen.
eral. The only thing TO be careful about
is not to oyerdo Il tonight; TO remember
that the morrow will bring the big
Nautch, and TO reserve some smiles for
the hero Of the hour"
lie speaks with some bitterness.
Tomorrow night will bring Capt,
Boyle" She looks ut him softly ont of
her serene eyes. "Do not let that make
you unhappy. Ills presence means less
than nothing. Indeed, believe II will
do your cause good"
"Sweet prophecies! ! would dared
share your creed"
"What crccd." asks Duran, who has
Joined them unseen.
"a belief Miss Rocho has In the un.
eonquerable power Of love-" replies Mas.
sarcene gayly, springing To his feet and
crossing the close turf To where he can
see Milliccnt standing. for once. alone.
"And No you believe In loves omnipO-
tency," says Duran, gazing at Na'line
with calm searching eyes "You|'
"Thcrc Is surprise In your tonc--and
doubt. Why should ! not hold such a
crce,ly' returns she steadily, though her
lips have grown very pale.
II cannot answer that here. Will you
come with me To the FirwOods ! shall
not keep you long, and must speak To
you. do not refuse me. Nadine. This Is
probably the last hour We shall ever have
together. leave the park the day after
tomorrow"
She Ind shrnnk little from hin. when
first he appealed to her. bat as his plead.
Ing grew stronger more impassionc,l, she
rose. With her eyes down,ast, and her
color faded TO u pallOr that bespoke an
anguishel heart, s:ie moved beside him
20 the wOod hc hah mentioned.
Presently they enter IT, The eternal
grcenness of II stirr her bloOd once more
TO an admiration that rouscs her and
conIs.s her return to the innneiiat {.
present. Ever since she had obcyed his
word, and risen and followed him hither,
she hal iscn Ia kind of waking dream
that hnd been too sweet Ia pcrEiit her
desire for its dissolution. Now, however.
that she Is fully awake 10 her danger as
well rs 20 her pain. IL IL too late To with
draw from tcte-a-tete, that she feels
must rive her soul.
Duran. stopping abruptly beneath the
spreading branches Of huge Scotch fir,
lays his hand upon her arm thus arrest
ing her footsteps also.
"lf love I've indeed all-powerful how Is
e that l have failc,ls" he asks In low
tone. mo love was ever stronger than
that ] bear for you. and yet II Inns been
Of no avail when matched against the
barrier that stands between you and me-
Has II been my fault, or IL II that the
love should be- equal on both si,cs. and
thnt--yours-falls below the marki"
She had been standing with lowered
lids and trembling hands, but now, as
though forced 20 Il against her will. she
looks at him. Her large. dark, mournful
eyes arc full Of rcpr0ach-mutc, hut so
terrible that his heart grows warm within
him. Alas! how clearly IN those mclan-
choly eyes IL her pure love lying.
at Is true, then! have your love-" he
says, always In a low voice, but none the
less ecstat.cally; "and II 50, my dearest,
why will you rcpulse mei All. have
pity an me, II you will not On yoursclfl
Think-think before you sacrifice US
both Ia ~ mistaken sense OF duty"
II have given my word" says Nadine
-"my promise."
~ worl-a promise-better broken.
See here, my love, have lived many