Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1892-09-16
she snatched her hand away and rose to

court" he said in German. 81 have
kept chairs and a table for the lady and
gentleman beneath the trees"
He made a low obeisance as he spoke,
but his malignant glance never swerved
from Kate, and she, half turning toward
him. seemed impelled by a power
stronger than her own viii to meet it,
though slightly shivering the while with
pure aversion. For my own part
longed with all my heart TO kick the
varlet into the hall or throw him ont of
the window But prudence warned me
to bide my time. If obtained the foot
ing to which aspired in Mr. Birch
moros family | would settle summarily
with Mr.. Slurk; meanwhile l should
best consult my interests by conducting
myself with all due quietness and dc
cOrurn- offered Kate my arm to lead
her from the room. but with n barely
perceptible gesture she declined it, and
walked swiftly before me through the
doorway, Slurk making another deep
obeisance as we passed. The fellow had
a smooth, unimpeaehable way Of getting
tho better Of one that made my blood
boil. / commanded myself, not without
an effort, and nursed my wrath to keep
ii warm.
When we reached the court the brass
band had established itself in the little
pagoda erected there for its accomoda-
ton and was just striking up, and there,
sure enough, were a table and chairs
awaiting Us beneath the trees But
neither Of Us was in q hulnor 10 face 3
crowd Of people. and by a tacit agree
ment We turned to the left and, crossing
tho little plank bridge which SPAWNED
tho narrow stream that sl1irted the hotel
grounds. we found ourselves ON the high
road Leading up the valley. Along this
we walked for some distance, both Of
us silent. At length tho opening Of q
path presented itself, which climbed by
q zigzag route to the summit Of the Pine
clad hill. Into this we turned, and in a
few moments were out of sight of alien
eyes amid the thick growing hemlocks
The ascent was steep, and at the first
turning in the path my beautiful com
panion paused for breath.
"Will you take my arm now, Kate2-
said.
Wnh a faint smile she complied.
Just for this once heard her muir.
muir. seemingly speaking TO herself.
Never again-but this once l VIII
"Now, Kate" said resolutely, bend
ing forward 30 rs to catch her eye, "let
us have done with mysteries. No more
never agains and Just this Onces, il
you pleased First, l want You to tel
me whether you love me"
She drew her breath hard.
81 can tell you nothing, Mr.. Gains
borough
you shall not call me Mr.. Gains
borough If you cant call me Tom,
call me nothing; but will never be Mr.
marlborough to you againp
Il thought we were TO have no NOR
never against she rejoined, with ,
passing sparkle Of the old playfulness il
her air.
None Of yours, meant
Il will call you Tom If you please
on one condition
"What condition.
THAT you let it be Just this once
"Kate, do You love mey'
"Oh. you arc cruel~ she cried witt
passionate emphasis, slipping her han'
/ from my arm and facing me with glow
ing looks. Il wish could say / hat
you'll You are a man Of the world, and
a poor girl from q convent, who know
nothing. 1 am trying TO do right, am
YOU oppose me-you make it hard an,
bitter to me. If you loved me az las
would love If l were a man, you woul
not press me so. Itell you it must no
be-"
what Is, shall be, Katel Dear Kate
we love each other, and who in the vorl
rhall prevent it or forbid our being mai
ried?"
"Hushl hushy She came a step neare
to me and caught my sleeve with be
little hand as a timorous child might Dc
I glancing nervously over her shoulder q
if something fearful were hidden anon
the trees. did you hear nothingS sh
whispered. Ibid not some one call me-
"Only l have called you, dear.
called you Kate, and now | want
call you wife,"
She continued to stand motionlesi
with that frightened, listening EXPIRE
sion still on her face; and yet my word
had apparently passed unheard. VIII;
was itNthen, that her ears were straine
TO catch2 To my sense the forest WI
full Of shadowy stiffness, tempered onl
by faint whispering Of leaves, end no
and then bird note high overhead.
Gradually the strange preoccupatic
left her. Her breathing, which ha
| been irregular and labored, now can
/ evenly and gently onco moro. 81
! glanced sidelong at me for momen
then with a swift, tender movement 81
came yet q trihe closer and laid h
> other hand upon my arm.
= "Tom-Tom, dearl l viii say it, f
Z we shall be parted soon; and then, if
am alive, shall be comforted little
think that did say it. Listen--Toi
I dear, love you'll Never forget that
said it-Tom, love YOU"
was taken deliciously by surpris
= You must not expect me to tell how
2 felt or what l said. can only remel
q Der that took her in my arms AZ
kissed her. The bird that warbled ov
our heads seemed to utter the costa
n that felt.