The National tribune., 1893-04-27

whether tobacco was so obnoxious as to prevent
any interest in pipes She laughed brightly
and said:
81 hope you will not be shocked, but I take
a deep interest in pipes and have the warmest
regard for tobacco. My father was a great
smoker, so that became accustomed to it from
childhood and always associate it with bis
memory.
II am so glad you don't mind it," he ex-
claimed: and then. as she looked surprised he
hastily added, to change the subject, There
is the cabinet in the alcove behind those cur
tains. Shall we 20 in 2" And at once they
stood before the two vases, holding each its pro-
fusion OF fatcful, fragrant flowers. oh! how
exquisite" she exclaimed, going close to the
red roses and inhaling their fragrance with de-
light Jacks heart gave a great bound, then
seemed to stand still as she turned to the vase
of white roses He was now inwardly raging
at his mad and dangerous project. Idiot that
he bad been, not to know that his whole heart
was bound up in this woman. His agitation
showed plainly in his face, and the voice in
which he presently addressed her trembled
perceptibly, in spite of his efforts 10 make it
appear calm. 81 am glad you like the roses;
have you any preference in regard to them, or
do both colors please you eQually2" She looked
at him quickly; his agitation evidently was
not lost upon her, though she continued. as If
unconscious of it, touching with light, caress-
ing finger the petals of the red roses. he
watched her breathlessly, and as she turned to-
wards the vase of white flowers he made an
involuntary motion as if to intercept her, and
hastily opening the cabinet drew her attention
to some curious carvings in ivory. She still
appeared unaware OF his strange manner and
conduct, though all the while observing him
sttentiyely. Presently he said. abruptly:
Miss Compton, do you believe in fate, in
chance, or destiny, as it is called Don't you
think sometimes it is best to trust our lives
blindly to its guidance and abide by the re-
suits? Perhaps in this way we learn Heavens
own purposes in regard to US?
mo-" she said. gravely. God helps those
who help themselves, aud ! think we should
use our powers to control circumstances for
what seems the best, as far as we may" But"
he insisted with strange earnestness, might
one not leave the choice, the decision, between
two doubtful courses of action somewhat to
chance" She shook her head negatively and
remained silent. What connection was she
tracing in her mind between his curious words
and his still more curious actions2 Suddenly
she turned and took the vase of white roses in
her hand, and fixing her eyes on his face said,
Might take few Of these roses?"
His change of color was unmistakable, and
also the agitation of his voice, as he replied
You are very welcome to them, but II / may
offer suggestion it would be to choose the red
roses they are more suitable for you"
Perhaps" she said slowly; "but the white
roses are so pure and spotless"
" 1t is true, and in that respect they seem
fttest for you; but with all their whiteness
there is a want Of depth. Of warmth. of life
about them-they seem pale and cold, while the
red roses are all glowing and warm. Their
hearts are deep and tender; they breathe ardor
youthful life, and enthusiasm therefore they
blend and harmonic best with yourself They
belong to you by nature" His earnestness
seemed to her out of all proportion to the
triding nature Of the subject; and had he
been himself he would have seen the shadows
of doubt and trouble stealing over her face and
heard the note Of satire in her voice as she
replied, lightly: How do you know, Mr.. Du-
laney, that am not cold and hard instead of
ardent and impulsive as you appear to believe"
Perhaps the wish is father to the thought"
he answered. besides, have watched you
too closely not to believe in the latent fires
within you which need only to be touched by
the breath of compassion or admiration TO leap
into bright fame No. the cold white rose is
not your proper emblem; you must not choose
il; let me give you the red. red rose instead"
She confronted him suddenly.
You seem strangely solicitOus about these
roses, and / really think you do not want me
TO have the white ones, only because you des-
| tine them for someone else. If not, why such
| desperate eaTnestness."
You are jesting, Miss Helen; there is no
| one else to whOm would give them"
WELL them" she interrupted, laughing "if
i choose
whichever / prefer" and she stretched ont her
hands towards the fatal white flowers "Wait;
| don't take them yet" he broke in, desperately.
81 cannot bear you to spoil your costume;
/ they are different tint from the rich cream
/ of your dress; they do not harmonic at all,
while the deep red flower will contrast ad.
mirably with your dark eyes aud hair. am
something OF an artist, and, believe me- | have
the strongest motives for asking you to wear
| the red roses" She gave him a peculiar smile,
saying:
II think understand your motives; very
| well-so be it. will take your advice and the
red roses at the same time" and she drew out
several from the vase and fastened them upon
her breast. long-drawn sigh of relief came
from the bottom of his heart and, with glow
| ing face, he led her TO q diyan in the corner
farthest from the observation of those in the
| next apartment and seated himself beside her.
They were both silent-she wondering if what
was next to come would confirm the suspicion
which his strange actions and peculiar CONVEX.
sation had aroused in her, and hardening her
heart against him, since it seemed he could
play with feelings so sacred. lie was silent to
gather courage for the great step. Somehow
the easy assurance of few days before had
quite deserted him. He was conscious of the
terrible need he felt to win this woman; OF all
the misery and despair failure would mean
to him: but that he could win her seemed a
thing by no means sure. Why should she care
for him rather than for another? What assur-
anee has she ever given of any feeling beside
mere friendly INTEREST," he was growing des-
perate with these thoughts and pulling him
} self together by strong effort, he spoke:
Miss Compton, there is something / must
say TO you; perhaps you will not care to hear
it, but it means the happiness or unhappiness
, of my life; il is that love you. You hold my
future in your hands. Can you, will yon, care
} for me-Heien2" His voice yibrated with