The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-03-18

nis. danced drove--I have lived In q sort
OF dream; found myself under the spell
OF your beauty. When you were cold to
mo NJ sun did rot shine for me; when
you allowed me to talk to you / was more
than happy know there must be an
awakening; know IL Is presumptlous for
me 20 think you could ever care for such
a poor sort OF fellow as I; bnt. Gladys,
there is not a man in this world who loves
you better or truer. or more than IT.
She struggled to withdraw her hands |;
her face became very pale; she looked
troubled.
"Not to- o-nightr' she exclaimed. Not TO.
night" was all she said.
But why not tonight as we'll as any
other time? know am awfully abrupt
and clumsy, but want you To look up at
me; want you to tell me II you don't
think you could learn TO -"
mo, no! Why do you trouble mei
Can't you see that have enough 10 think
about already" 1t was like the cry OF
child in pain.
II don't understand you. Gladys, aud
do not want to have the least mlsunder-
standing about this. Does II trouble youi
i am so very sorry"
"Oh-Mr. Lawrence, you are so very
stupidl Don't you know like you very
much, but can't-now--oh, dear. / don
know what mean to say-I-"
Miss Montague seemed to have lost heI
self-possession completely. She who had
been so calm, so distant, was now reduced
10 few incoherent sentences. She who
always held her head up so proudly was
now looking at the floor meekly. She
who had never been at loss for words,
now stopped and stammered and finally
broke OF abruptly.
II Ned Lawrence had been In possession
OF all his faculties, ne would have with
drawn with few quiet words and ended
the interview; he would have waited for
a more favorable time to press his suit;
he would have seen that Gladys was per-
picked and evidently striving to get him
away without wounding his feelings for
the time being. But ne was on the con.
trary, very impulsive and ardent, and
when he saw her hesitating, he jumped To
the conclusion that IL was mere coyness
and she was holding of so that he could
40 very unIoruunatc Tor MIN. ne steppeu
forward and attempted TO kiss her. This
aroused her.
why are you troubled?" he asked.
"Tell me about It."
She moved back few step, away from
him. Excuse me. Mr.. Lawrence, think
am fully able to manage my affairs with
out your assistance"
The coldness OF her tone convinced
Lawrence that he had made mistake. :
81 hope you don't think me over-bold,
over-inquisitive," he said anxiously. 1T
troubles me to see you so nervous;
really do not understand it. II there is
anything that can do"
.There is nothing you can do" she
broke.
Lawrence began'to grow little angry
and. piqued. She was rapidly becoming
her self. She held her head erect
IL don't understand you." he said.
ut is not necessary that you should"
'Do you mean to reject me altogether"
be asked desperately. thrusting his hands
deep into his trousers pockets.
Il don't know-I can't say" she said
slowly.
But there isn't anyone else?" he asked
eagerly, being encouraged by her hesita-
tion.
Really, don't think am obliged to
to ask it?" She was looking at the violin
on the floor, where IL had laid since Dav-
aris dropped 1t. Lawrence eyes followed
her glance, and great light broke over
him.
Its that Internal Greekw he muttered,
but not low enough to prevent her hearing.
Were you speaking to me?' she asked.
Lawrence did not answer. He under
stood it all; she was In love with Davaris.
an instant he stood there with bowed
head; then he looked up bravely.
II see that have made a mistake to-
night" he said, speaking rapidly and in
low tone. Il must beg your pardon for
speaking disrespectfulIy Of one OF your
frlendsw He could not help putting a
slight emphasis on the last word. But
do not see that have said anything TO
make you very angry. / am not conscious
Vi ONtESltppluB tHo laws VI bOVu taob1
and conventionality. II have done so 1.
hope you will pardon me. Perhaps my
love for you has blinded my Judgment.
! see that my presence hero is painful 10
you. / go tonight. i shall always re-
member the pleasant hours have spent
undor THIS roof, but shaft try to forgot
this evening. Good-night-and good
byer'
Lawrence bowed formally. stopped
moment by the doorway. and then was
gone Miss Montague stood motionless
until she could not hear his footsteps In
the hallway, and then sank back into her
chair with something that sounded very
much like n sigh.
Very luckily Lawrence succeeded In
finding Mrs. Hamlyn In the drawing
room.
you are just the person / wanted TO
see, he said. 1T is the worst luck--I shall
bayn 4 n yo away fa-nierht / haya had