The Globe-republican., 1891-12-17

~ O0s 4olI OI6ClC. S8IQ ACCxI0RC0n.
pressing her hand; yet even to such
1t is given to repent and to make repars-
ton
She startled. but forced . nippant
smile.
@Contrition is out of fashion, and all
such self-mOrtificatiOnS. But let US not
generalize thus, let US talk of q more
fascinating theme-yourself, for in
stance. What of those successes?"
"They pertain to the election, sweet
scOrner. and before we discuss them
would beseech your corporation in an
other matter, also an election, but not
political"
Il have no influence, sir"
HOn the contrary, you are the sole
sovereign of the situation, and an ap-
peal to you is settlement of the ques-
ton. Sit here, dear divinity, and listen
to my prayer"
ooh, prayer,.is it? fear you may
find your vinity to be of rather dark
and capricious type"
She sat down, however, on the marble
seat by pretty ornamental drinking
fountain, and looked at him with inward
agitation and outward amusement,
while he s0lemnly filed the two silver
AoSOuS Vu0V AuuS Wy ZIG 1OuutdIu. 1uU
put one in her hand.
"You will drink to my success, my old
time iriend?" said he, with beseeching
tenderness.
She drank to his success with laugh
ing efusiOn.
sand now, sweet mistress Of a beauty
indestructible, said he, posing his own
fagon aloft, "let me drink to our friend
ship-which once was love-" and he
drained the cup with an ineffable glance.
She bowed low, smiling graciously;
but she could not control the burning
blush that famed her cheek, nor the pal
lor that succeeded it.
It seemed as If he had sa,rilegiously
disturbed the bones Of tho sacred dead
when he lightly TESTED about that early
love He threw himself at her side, and,
lounging forward where he could watch
every fitting expression of her face, re-
marked in confidential tone:
"How old is that affair between you
and me, ma BELIEF"
Every DID," said she, calmly; $50 old
that l have forgotten the details"
"What unwor!dly innocents we were
in those days." breathed he, with tender
amusement. AT least l was, for you
were very wise, even then, remember,
and did not in the least believe in love
among the roses'-on cottage wal"
Chilled and humiliated by this persi-
1age, Mrs Dellamere found no reply.
"And how I persisted in claiming as
my own this beautiful hand" taking it
delicately in his finger-tips), though I
had not so much as a diamond ring to
deck it's loneliness! And how l cried
after my fair cold Lady Moon, quite un-
able to give up gracefully to the beati-
tudes she had scared to! But now," he
went on, intent on torturing her into
submissions; "now l fully perceive your
wisdom. Had we married then, when
your whole dover was beauty and mine
true love, how obscure our existence
might have been! To be sure we might
have been happy and pure-but what q
p imitive condition to live I'M"
Rather crude for our embryo diplo-
mattel" laughed she-and what anguish
thrilled in her laughter! II don't in the
least believe you could have done it. In
deed l know that affair." as you justly
name it, was but an amusing episode in
pour life. Something as ephemeral as
that grand passion of which you raved
in certain grassy lane between Mrs.
Dellamere's Pavilion and Inchape Fosse.
five years ago"
In her agony she had turned at last,
and she knew where to strike. His face
darkened, there was ferocity as well as
sudden quivering pain in it, and flame
of quick hate leaped out at her in his
flashing glance.
THAT was brief alteration, soon re-
pented OF, ;" said he, bitterly, "a momen-
tary madness which more fortunate
first love would have made impossible.
That, too, lay to your account, sweet
lady. All! what do you not owe me by
way of reparation."
He hung over her, marking the effect
of these stings as she shrank and paled,
exerting her social training to conceal
her pain; and his eye sparkled with
malicious JOY.
"Eh bien! We have strayed far from
your election which is not political
Suppose we return to that subject?"
"Very good, and very apropos of the
reparatiOn you owe me-" laughed he.
"But it is prayer have to make; and
you are the divinity must pray tor
She would have vehemently declined
thu part, but she dared not show him
the power he had to torture her.
proceed, then. but do not ask amiss,
said she, family.
He fastened his bright cruel eyes upon
hers threateningly, as if he would dare
her to resist his will, and began with
mock solemnity:
"Fair goddess, hear my prayers. Il
want happy home"
~YOu shall have tiff you make it,
replied she, forcing herself to respond
to his trifing humor.
Il want loyal supporter"
"Be you loyal"
Il want wife. ="
To this she only bowed.
Fair goddess, desire her at your
hands"
She gazed at him as If petrified.
Dare she believe her ears? No, no!
this mans heart was indurated, he
could mock at and insult that beautiful
love which had been theirs when their |
spirits were pure; he was only trying
his power over her. hoping to betray her |
into some self-revelation at which he |
would laugh. "Fair goddess. have you
forgotten your role?" he insinuated, his
gaze mercilessly probing her.