The Opelousas courier., 1892-07-16
She nervously elasped and u~nclaspel

She nervousIy elasped and unclaspe l
her hands, and Colonel Overton saw a
few bright tears trembling on her lashes.
sYou mean well, Madeline" he an.
swered quietly, shut though We are past
the turning point in our lives, the even
flow of friendship can never exist be-
tween us. As for M~ildred-she is young
she has seen nothing of the world.
There may be some other who may touch
her heart more deeply--I have known
such cases-and then Herbert's happiness
will be wrecked"
Madeline was weeping bitterly but
Colonel Overton continued 81 do not
mean to reproach you. Your course was
better than deception but ! will protect
Herbert to the best of my ability"
"And Mildred-poor little Mildred
is she to suffer too?"
Madeline rose from her chair, and
coming close to hun laid a beseec hing
hand upon his arm. The Colonel sci led
it, and fixed his passionate pleading eyes
upon her.
"Madeline, Madeline! you try me past
my strength. Did you think of my feel
ings when you told me the cruel truth
years ago, and now am | required to
make still greater sacrifces2 Even If all
should turn out happily, do you think
that it would cause me no pang to see
Mi~ldred-your very im~age-~fitting about
the old place which has known no gentle
presence since you refused to enter itY
Would you force me into exile again!
Madeline, I am too old-leave me my
solitary hearth, where / may spend afew
peaceful twilight hours
tsMildred could make them much
happier for you," pleaded MiIdred's
mother.
stNever!' he said with sudden fire.
"There is but one way of happiness for
all. | am mad to dream of such a thing.
for when l gave you up, Madeline,
swore l would never approach you again.
/ shall keep my vow. But, If you truly
wish to mend the breach between us,
then it is your place to seek me-not for
Mildred's sake, MOI Herbert's, nor even
mine, but at the bidding Of your W
heart and desire"
He gently disengaged her clinging
hand, and left her to ponder his words.
So while Mildred sang IN the joy of
her heart, Madeline went about her ae-
customed duties, dazed and bewildered.
When the twilight came that meant so
much to her, she could bearit no longer;
she left the lovers to their dreams; and
scarcely giving herself time for thought,
she took her way across the moorlandi
hating at last at the familiar gate. The
spirit of the place was dead-tne serene
old g~entlewoman who had frightened
the homestead for her children.
The front door stood ajar, SO Made
line slipped in, and guided by old asso-
Citations, found her way to the library.
This door was closed, she turned the
handle softly, and entered uuobserved
by the lonely occupant.
The room lay deep. in shadow, the
glow of the fire was subdued and ftful,
and the sight of the solitary man before
it, buried in his W thoughts, moon
scious of her presence, touched the ten
derest chords of heart. She heard him
sigh once, as she moved silently toward
him in the gathering gloom. She paused
behind his chair, and sumunonlng all ner
courage, laid a timid hand upon his
head.
',Greville, 1 have Gomez" she whisp-
sred.
He did not start, nor aver turn, but
he reached up aud drew her gently
around in front of him, without a word.
She crept into his embrace, and there
another sweet and solemn secret was told
in the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..