The Hawaiian gazette., 1890-12-02

elllOASAA NAA sic H>kSlCNA NAASi-4A s%SAA~ 49,
and began pacing the room.
8 Not 8 word, not 4 word, she
moaned 30, what sire al the letters
10 me If He does not write? In two
wears l viii 20 10 him, since he viii not
come TO me-"
Slowly and mechanically she un-
dressed and retired, and soon her " tired
spirit slept"
Again It was THANKSGIVING Day,
and to-day she was 10 visit harry
in his home, and offer him what
he had pleaded for four years be-
fore Weeks before she had LETT her
beautiful tropical home with its balmy
airs and odor OF flowers for Michigan
with its ice and snow. The miles that
lay between were neither short nor
pleasant ones; seven days on the ocean,
six DAYS overland, and these full OF IN
expected difficulties and trials.
The day had dSwned clear and bright,
the sparkling snow creaked under her
feet as she walked from the hotel 10 the
cutter, while the keen air brought the
color to her face. She had dressed her
self with great care that morning, and as
she saw her reflection in the glass she
felt herself grow young agaln-the past
four years seemed blotted out, she was
again in her teens. and Harry Sladden
was her lover. She was going TO reap
the reward Of long months OF self-denlal
and self-sacrifce. There would be little
10 be said OF done, she felt sure, no bar
riers 10 be broken, no citadels TO storm,
for did she not know his characteristics
as well as she did her own? Did he not
swear eternal faithfulness, and was he
not still unmarried? Surely her visit
to-day would end in complete victory.
As she thought Of her success already
almost achieved, her whole being swayed
in 8 fashion that one sees II some
phrases Of that ''barbarically interesting
native dance OF the Hawaiians the
"huIa." She had not known such real
JOY for years, a delight enhanced perhaps,
by its very want Of surety that II would
be realized.
As the driver drew up before his door,
she alighted and gave her orders IN q
clear, steady voice. She gave the bell
two impatient Jerks, and waited. Soon
3 pretry-faced woman OF about thirty-tve
answered her ring.
.'Nr. Sladden lives here, believe, >"
said Alice IN her most eonciliatory tone.
''Yes, he lives here, and he is in.
Would you Ike 70 see him ," she asked
in q lOw, sweet voice. The servant led
her through 4 long hall to little recep-
ton room in the rear, took her card, and
bowed herself out.
Alice was not sorry for few moments
10 herself; at last the time had come Tor
which consciously or uncOnsCIOuSly she
had shaped the last two years OF her life /;
she felt no fear. no anxiety, and deep
down in her heart she felt i certainty
Of success which difUsed strange hap
pinesS. She glanced around her with
sSOmA1's scutlny, and her eyes filed as
she noticed several portraits OF herself
carefully arranged over the manteI- The
room was small, and daintily furnished
On one side Of the room was d series OF
boOk-shelyes with their well-worn books,
many Of them poems that she had read
to him in happier days; on the table
stood : silver vase full Of white tea roses,
one Of which had fallen on an open page
and served for bookmark.
Footsteps sounded along the corridor,
then the curtains were drawn aside; her
heart beat faster and faster; only by
mighty effort did she keep from crying
out. He came forward and took her
hand Really, Mrs. Alling, this Is an
unexpected pleasure, when did you az
riye2"
. To-day-yesterday, she stammered,
scarcely knowing what she said.
. Pray be seated, he said, as he
pushed i ch4ir towards her.
She Obeyed, feeling somehow like one
waking from dream, little chilled,
little friZhtened For moment she sat
there gazing iutentiy At him, then the
tempestuous u1dereurrent burst through
the calm surface.
Do not ask me why l came 10 you,
do not pretend 70 misunderstood mel
have come 10 give you back four years
ago you asked me for-HaTTy, don't De
cruel remember how you loved ne
then, think how love YOU now She
paused, tears filed her eyes, her delicate
nostriLs quivered, and her pale cheek
gioEed for an instant With pink flush.
She waited for him 70 answer. He
tapped the carpet lightly with his foot,
then he said IN 3 firm voice -Four years
ago 1 gave you the love o. I true, honest
heart; you have It still ! asked you to
Be NY vie, bear ny name and De the
mother OF ny chIldren-this you can
never DO now. I viii never give you the
pain Of seeing yourself supPIaIted. If
YOU ever need friend I have ! right 70
pe called upon first
She rose and stood before him, her
cheeknFas CHASTITY pale and there was 10
color n the fuII lips Her eyes stared at
him IN : mute appeal, but he was IN