The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-04-20

amusement, SET down ner empty CUP
and made a sign to her cousin. He
rose, and the two repaired to the studio.
"Seaward," she began when the door
was shut, II have thousand things to
say to you. Why are you not my broth
er, old boy? Granny would not dare to
restrain our intercourse if you were.
But surely she has given up her old sus-
picion about our philandering?"
81 don't think she suspects us Of phi
landering," he replied. "But she doesn't
Hike me, and she disapproves Of your
taking me into your confidence. Never
mind her, Adeline. What is IL that you
want to say?"
"Claud will come home tomorrow" !"
she went on, land granny has set her
mind upon marrying us out of hand.
She says we have dawdled ON us an en-
gagged couple long enough. For my
own part l have found the dawdling
quite pleasant. We have mooned about,
and looked at houses and furniture, and
talked vaguely Of far-ofr future when
we might possibly want such things.
There is nothing likeseeingone's prom
ised land in the distance; it is the near
view that destroys the enchantment.
But don't quite understand you,
Adeline," he was beginning. when she
stopped him with a pretty, impatient
gesture.
"Stupid old boy! How can you ex-
pect to understand a woman who
doesn't understand herself2 And It is
not of myself that am thinking, it is
of Claud."
Seaward looked at her thoughtfully.
She had bright gray eyes shaded with
black lashes, and delicate, but rather
irregular features. To-day her face had
the brilliancy that often comes of anx-
iety; the clear pallor of the cheeks was
tinted with vivid rose. She was pref
tier, perhaps, than usual, but curiously
unlike the cool charming woman Of the
world he had always known.
II am not romantic" she said, speak.
ing in calmer tone, 81 do not expect
too much from man. But can't
help thinking that Claud has nothing to
give. At first | admired that gentle
langour Of his, and fancied that It was
u mask, worn gracefully to hide deep
feeling. I believe now that It only
hides an empty heart"
Seaward still regarded her attentive
ly, and was silent
al have never been really in love
with Clapd," she continued. "but II he
had tried he could have made me love
him. He is the kind Of man, who at
tracts women, with his pale aristocratiS
face and gentle ways. But he never
has tried. Time goes on, and we do moi
draw an inch nearer to each other. II
granny tells him that he has got tc
marry me before Christmas, he viii
placidly consent. But, Seaward,
don't like the prospect Of lifetime
spent with an utterly Indifferent hus
band. am not vain, yet cannot helT
feeling that am worthy Of a stronger
feeling" ~
"You are worthy of the strongest
feeling that man can give, Adeline,
he said with true heartiness. ''As tc
Claud, there is great deal about hin
that one naturally likes and adrnires
/ have been hoping that you would kin
die fire within him. Is he really a
cold as you imagine?"
T. Don't be deceitful, old boy. 70,
and are always perfectly frank will
each other. When you have talked
with Claud, have you ever discovered
any sign Of warmth toward me? Yot
know you have not" ,ala
"But, Adeline, was always hoping
that the warmth would come. And h
really does admire you very much.
."Ah, SeawardT the bright gray eye
grew soft and sad, II am foolisl
enough to dream Of something sweetei
and deeper than admiration. dom
believe much in raptures; all I ask Il
the sweet, old-world gift Of sponta
neous affection. II Claud had choseI
me Just as Jack chooses jill, nigh
have been contented woman. But h,
did not choose me; he simply accepted
me from granny's hands"
Granny is too fond Of playing provi
dence," said Seaward, in an uneasy tone
at is possible that Claud has seen hi
jill elsewhere an unattainable Jill.
There was a note of interrogation a
\ the hnd of this sentence: but AvlgtonI