Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1892-03-11


but We must hope it won't come to
that"
Her heart seemed to die within her AZ
she stood in the golden sunlight, with
the bright unclouded morning sky above
her; but the kindly old eyes looking in
to heE saw no shadow of the pain there,
heard no infection of il in the tones OF
her steady voice.
NO." she repeated, I'VE must hope il
will not come to that. You must take
great care"
I'VE can't let him owe his death to
u.s." the doctor said, cheerily, turning
away; well take too much care for
that"
At his words Sydney shivered, and
felt cold through all the glory Of the
August sunshine.
Though after all,"a shade OF defiance
In her thoughts as she made her way
back TO the garden, Il am not really I'M
easy. Why should be? He only needs
care"
But words did not Danish the shadow
of anxiety.
But now the days were over, had been
lived through somehow; Ind on this
Sunday evening in the long drawing
room, with the windows closed against
possibly treacherous evening air, the
lamps lighted, and miniature wood
fire burning on the wide, open hearth,
Sydney sat in old Mr.. Loraine's great
armchair by the fireplace, Count Won
Lindenheim on low seat by her side.
They were alone, for after dinner Mr..
Lorraine had slipped into his beloved
library, and after time, the voices dis
turbing him. he had closed the door of
communication. But now, though they
were thus alone, they seemed to have
but little TO say, although the knowl-
edge was theirs that tomorrow the
parting SO long postponed must take
place.
Il would rather GO" Count Linden
helm had said. 81 am not getting well;
/ am worried. for ought TO be at home.
j shall not get well here" And the doc
tor had given somewhat unwilling
consent for his departure, seeing the
truth of his words.
She had been restless and unhappya all
day. Even the quiet services III the
village church had failed TO calm her.
The last time. even with distinct and
definite knowledge OF when and where
we shall meet again, is sad. How much
more when terrible mist of uncertain
ty lies on the other side Of the Good
bye" And in calmer moments she did
not deceive herself She was well aware
of the nature of German betrothal-
that only the marriage service itself
could be held more binding. And know
ing it, there were moments when she
felt it craven on her heart-that in this
world, at least. she and Esme Won Lin
denheim would meet no more.
But this was not one Of them. At
this moment past fears and future anx-
iety were alike swallowed up in bliss
full. happy present.
There was always something about
him that Gained her. Ills gentleness,
his tenderness soothed and Comforted
her; and this seemed magnitied tenfOld
by the increased delicacy Of his appear
ance. He himself was not so depressed
and unhappy as he had been when she
had seen HIM last. The consciousness
that he was no longer obliged to wait,
but was starting tomorrow, had per-
haps acted as a stimulant to his nerves;
and in his smiles and conversation she
felt the personal charm that had been
so strong at first. For him it was the
day before the battle. and there was
something of the thrill of coming excite
ment. Something, perhaps, in being
once more in the presence OF the wo-
man whose love he need not doubt Of
having won. 1t would be hard and
bitter fight, but she was worth it-oT so
it seemed to him as he watched her III
the big armchair. which was associated
in his memory with old Mr.. Lorraine.
She wore the same white dress that she
had done the night of his arrival; its
folds fell softly and gracefully about
her, and in her hand was the fan OF
peacock's feathers.
Are YOU really better?' she asked,
suddenly, after long silence. in which
she had been watching him. Tell mo
tire truth; you are net quite well'-a
faint question in the tones-"but you
are much better"
Il am not quite we'll" he repeated,
sitting more upright, but | am much
better, and shall be better still when l
am back in Germany"
"Yes," she said softly. Il hope So"
He laid his hand on the feather fan
on her knee.
"Your hopes and wishes will do me
good" he said, never fear" And then,
suddenly wish you would get an
other fam" he went on. Il cannot bear
to see you carrying this one about with
you"
1T is pretty" touching it caressingly,
"and il has memor es. 1t reminds me
OF many happy evenings. You told me
il was unlucky, you remember, the first
time l saw you"
And you" he replied, said you did
not fear the especial form of ill-luck it
might bring
But do" she cried, passionately,
rising to her feet. al am afraid of it
/ am afraid to run any risks" moving
swiftly away, and placingit on adistant
table. There" returning TO his side,
II will never touch it again"
what a foolish woman you aro!" he
said gently, as she stood once more by
his side.
II cannot help it," she cried. and when
he looked at her he SAW there were tears
in her eyes. Il care too much TO be
wise! I wish" she began abruptly,
and then turned away, and stood with
her back to him, leaning against the
mantelshelf.
What do you wishY he questioned.
"Oh, i wish had seen her-that l
knew her-even what she is like"
lie did not answer in words, but rose
AID left the room, and a few minutes
later came up to where she was still
standing by the fire, and placed in her
hands small case.
She took il over to a distant lamp.and