The Dickinson press. (Dickinson, Stark County, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1883-1927, 1889-10-12
girlish grace and sweetness.


Let me speak to you for one mo-
ment," she says impulsively. with !.
slight motion toward him. Ills sudden
presence has convinced her that her late
cowardly resolution had in it no element
OF right, and that an explanation is due
not moro to her than to him.
Certainly" he says very gently. All
inc sternness is gone from his tone, asct-
tied melancholy having taken its place
Encouraged, though weakened, by this
change in him, she goes OH hurriedly.
"Therc is something must tell you,"
She says trcmulously. "But first
throwing up her head with Il little proud
gesture that becomes her intinitcly-"I
would have you understand that what
have to say cannot in any way alter the
relations now existing between us. We
are separated forever. No one q am
glad to think at this momcnD can know
that better than you"
'No onc," corroborates Mr.. Ponsonby.
in tone that has acquired even deeper
dye, SO far as misery is concerned
81 am glad of that" says the girl
readily. Yet an intelligent observer
might have failed to see where the glad
ness lay-certainly not in voice, CO lips,
or eyes. Mr.. Ponsonby. l regret to
say, proves himself on this occasion (onlv)
wanting in intelligence, as he openly ac-
cepts her statement at her own value,
and grows i'll detection thereby. III am
very glad of it," repeats Alys unsteadily
and with now avcrtcd eyes and pal,rv
assumption of content, "becausc can
now safely tell you, without fear of mis-.
conception on your part, that it was all
mistake about that marguerite sent
you an hour ago. At that time" (by llnr
manner, it might reasonably be supposed
again by tho intelligent listener that the
time mentioned is year agone) 81
was troubled, and-and ashamed of
myself Il am neither now), and anx-
lous to let you know that-that |
had not changed toward you in any
way, in spite of anything foolish in nc
that might have induced you to think
otherwise"
There is something in this rcbcllous
speech SO sadly regrctful, and SO very
near to tears, that instinctivcfy Mr.. Pom
sonby goes step closer to her, and puts
out his hand as though to take hers; but
she waves him back impcrativcly.
"Whcn | sent you that tlower," she
goes on, her voice taking still proutler
ring as she feels the humiliation of her
confession, and with her soft eyes suf-
fused with tears of childish grief and
agitation, 81 thought firmly believed
it was conveying to you the message
i love you! l counted the petal, care
fully; made sure not one was missing:
but lsupposc counted badly. tell you
this now, for no motive but tho natural
wish that you should not believe me al,
together heartlcss. You understand me:
You must know"-passionatcly-"tllat
for this reason alone l have spoken tc
you tonight"
81 do know" says the young man
earnestly. Again he goes nearer to her.
There is suppressed hope and growing
excitement in his faco and manner.
mot that it matters now," says Mis-
Disney, her voice trembling more anr
more. Nothing matters any more al
all! We have both learned to be indif
tcrent to each other, and-and-I hope
shall never, never, never sec you agail
after to-nightr'
Here the voice passes beyond all trcm-
bling, having broken down and given
place to bitter wcpDinr