Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-03-31

alone. Then why 50 gloomy7 Tell me all and let
Theresa charm your grief away"
such sr1iIee- replied the painter gazing psssion-
ately into the lovely face that bsnt above him.
aCan you doubt my Joy that You have won non
that which makes roe sad; IL Is the memory ol
Beatrice. Forgive me IL speak name you can
not wish 70 hsar ana 90 rot d , my sonssancy
only pity; but tonight the image OF her in hes
bitter grief when she learns all ulu rise before me
and my heart rebukes me for the sorrow must
give her In return Each generous decd she does
for you, each gentle word she speaks but makes
me seem more false and cruel stnl, and almost
turns my pity into love again"
A dark frown gathered on Theresas face and
her eyes flashed scornfully upon her lover as be
spoke, and when he turned away, for1etfrll for q
moment even OF her. she rose proudly up ana
stood bfore him, saying, with a naughty smile
upon her lips:
..If Beatrice be still 80 dear TO you fear there
IS no place in your heart for me, therefore choose
now between us, for win have no rival In your
with her the quiet home she longs for, and in ner
calm affection may you ind the happiness you
seek; but If your many vows be true, and Theresa
most beloved, then come and tread with me the
path that lies before US; share With the wealth
and fame go 10 win, and in the gay, brilliant
D %0 N al tond fatSfs love p anS ZAP
you therefore choose. and let all doubts be ended
here forever,
With wonder, love and admiration stirring in
his heart the painter gazed upon her as she spoke,
and when she stood silently before him with her
white arms folded proudly on her breast her clear
Jewels flashing In her hair while on her lips there
played smile half Scornfui and half fond, he
would have paused no longer in his choice But a
tender lace rose up before him with dark reprOach
fui eyes that seemed TO warn and win him back;
he thought OF Beatrice, her generous, trusting
love- her faith In him. her Wild sorrow and despair
when she should ma that faith betrayed, and his
heart whispered that no Joy, no peace would
brighten life for him while haunted by the mem
Ory or wrong and falsehood such this; and as
these thoughts passed through his mind his better
angel Tor the moment triuInphed. He seized his
codk and turned to 90, saying half aloud: 81 can
not break her heart; she Is my truest love; win
not wrong her thus But the words died on his
lips, for there before him stood Theresa with the
proud light banished nom her eyes, which now
shone on him through bright tears, as with ten
der, pleading smile she stretched those fair arms
toward him, whispering softly:
Have you chosen, dearest Claude?- The cloak
dropped from his hand. Beatrice was forgotten,
and ais only answer was to lay her head On his
breast and whisper, as he folded her closer still,
les, hdce chosen, and nothing can now part US
As thus they stood Theresa, with a sudden cry
and lace white with terror, pointed trembiingy
diInly shone as the dropping curtains oated TO and
fro.
'Did you see II, Claude7- she whispered fear
fully "a wild, pale face, with cleaning eyes,
looked in upon Us through the leaves. and as you
turned IL vanished. Oh! do not leave me, for 1t
may return"
" e a. nu'nlng, uedlest, an nere 10 guaru you.
a passing shadow. sit here, and let me sing TO
you, for now my only Joy is to cheer and watch
above you"
And all night long the quiet moon looked down
upon the happy lovers as they sat, fOrgetful Of
the world, wrapped In blissful dream Of love and
JOY.
And all night long the same quiet moon shone
on broken-hearted woman, as she paced her
splendid chamber with clasped hands and tear
less eyes, struggling with her bitter sorrow and
despair, In stern silence far more terrible TO see
than the widest, saddest tears woman ever shed