The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-06-03

i
During the last year of waiting l began
TO think that il was who would prove
the unworthy one. Zathoe would find
me wanting. 1t was indeed foreshad.
owing of the bitter truth.
But at length her last loving letter
called me home.
had begged that she would meet me
ut the IIazelcroft. So with Margaret
Lynn, a widowed cousin, she went down
and reopened the old house which had
once sheltered us both.
II was dark when reached it. half
fancied she would be waiting for me at
the gate. forgot that she was no longer
the passionate child had left weeping by
the hedge.
The low windows were all open. and /
peered into the room. 1t had but one oc-
cupant, tall, stately woman. She stood
by the table, her gaze fixed upon jar OF
water lilies.
1t was Zathoe lynn. entered softly,
and stood before her. l could frame but
two words:
My darlingT
She drew back. instinctively. But her
lustrous eyes shone like stars.
you are Rupert Ilazelcroft.
caught her white unjeweled hand II
lay cold and still in my grasp would
have kissed her brow. her cheeks. her
lips. but dared pot
"Zathoew | cried passionately. Have
you no welcome for mel"
Her eyes were reading my face
you have changed" she said sadly.
T-was not-prepared for it. But can
say-welcome back to liazelcroft.
Her courteous words lacked the true
loving ring. but went closer.
"Zathoe, do you remember our parting,
four years ago? You loved me then
today love you We have both changed"
She trembled at my touch.
you seem like a stranger" she ex-
claimed bitterly.
Then, with something of her old impet.
uosity, she drew from her bosom tiny
locket. 1t was one had sent her soon
after leaving IIazelcroft. and it held my
picture.
Look" she continued, great sob in
her voice This is the face have loved
so long-that | shall love until diel
Rupert Hazelcroft, you have not brought
1t back to me-"
That was an impossibilty. Zathoe." |
answered. gravely. 81 was boy then;
today | am man. And you're face is
changed also, yet love you the more for
it. Zathoe. accept me as am. But tell
me-is my former self my only rival?'
"Yes. she breathcd, rather than spoke.
Then | will win you over again"
said, resolutely "Zathoe Lynn. you shall
L., 81 no
as you have ever been"
She laid her hand in mine, impulsively.
1t was burning hot. Rupert Hazel
croft" she cried, Il will not accept the
freedom you offer. Your generosity has
made me all that am today. belong to
you alone. cannot love you now. but
that, too, may come in time.
| took from its velvet case costly
diamond ring This was to have been
the token Of our betrothal." | said.
"Zathoe. will you wear it for my sake?
For the sake of the world hardened man.
who would gladly be boy again if he
could"
Sha looked up tearfully as placed it on
her finger Il shall wear it always in re-
membrance of this hour" she murmured.
L
familiar room. The ocean no longer rolled
fectually. glanced at Zathoe. How
lovely and lovable she seemed. And she
was mine-she had said it. The thought
was reassuring
Sing to me" begged at last.
Without word she glided to the open
piano, and soon tender love song filed
the room Her whole soul was in it. She
went on from one TO another uncon-
sciously. She seemed TO have forgotten
my presence. The glory of her voice kept
me spell bound. When she had finished
at last her head dropped upon her hands.
bent over her and reverently kissed her
forehead.
She sprang to her feet.
Forgive me. Music is my meat and
drink. love it next to heaven"
Then can only hope for a third place
in your affections" said pontedly.
She did not reply, and we passed out to
the veranda, her hand just touching my
arm
The silvery moonlight was over every
thing, and Zathoe glanced about her APP
preciatively. "Hazelcroft is beautiful
place, she said at last. IL have loved it
from childhood"
Then why not become its mistress to.
morrow" | asked eagerly.
But she shook her head ITO morrow
| am going away with Cousin Margaret.
Her home is in Boston"
Il will follow you there" continued
boldly. "You shall not escape, Zathoe
Lynn. | love you more than life itself
Promise that you will try to love me
little in return
Il have begun to try already" she an
swered. naively.
Then. at our next meeting, can hope
for a different welcome?'
YES"
drew her beautiful face to mine. and
covered it with passionate kisses.
We were married the following winter.