The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1896-04-24

"Will you do what | ask
"You know there is nothing consist
ent with nv ideas of honor and duty
that | would not grant you, dear.
With an effort she resumed her old
charm of manner; and bestowed a kiss
that savored more of appeal than rec
onciliation;
1T is little thing and cannot hurt
anyone have set my heart on it. If
you rally care for me you will consent. y
H. held her face cares essingly to his
own
"Well, my dearast?'
She whispered so softly that he bent
his head down to hear
Don't wear that ring"
1t needed great control to repress
the angry remonstrance that rose to
his lips.
Il thought we had urged that to a
satisfactory conclusion" he said. IF
you had any consideration for m, you
would not desire such a thing
And if YOU are really fond of me,
You would not refuse it, replyed Gym
thia, rising. Il don't want to be re-
minded every day of her whose place
| am taking. My married life must
not be hampered with phantoms. In
short, that ring veNes me, and will
not be vexcd"
He had risen. too. and faced her, pale
and frowning.
IL gave my word; | cannot brake
it,
''Then | must break mine"
She spoke with quiet determination,
though her heart throbbed as she drew
his bethrothal gif, from her finger and
held it out to him.
"Cynthia!' SO light Y, for Il whim!'
IF so earnest wish may be termed
a whim. Yes
But you can't mean it," he said,
brathlessly, and ignoring the outstretch
ed fewel Give me little time to
consider it, it is impossible that this
can part us"
1T seems impossible that You can
fail me in so small sacrifice" she re-
joined with bitter little laugh; ''still
you see, such things may happen.'
Her air Of calm resolution was mad
dened, yet he felt instinctiyely that no
word Of reproach or anger would help.
Assent was dishOnorable. denial was
difficult: there was no way out of the
dilemma.
A little time" he pleaded.
The sound of an approaching voice
terminated the trying interview. They
recognized the suave and gentle tones.
my dear Cynthia" said her mother
entering, II have only just returned.
Have you any idea of the time?" she
broke off. smiling A h! of course not
| did not know who was there
The cordial greeting was followed by
a desultory conversation, to which Gym
thia contributed monosyllables, till
her tormented lover rose and took
leave. She let him reach the conser-
vatory, then flew to him, relenting, he
hoped.
'Till tonight" she said hurriedly.
= ou must let me- know your decision
by then. Remember, nothing can alter
mine | only claim my right. But"
she added, persausivel V. ''you can easily
decide now Let me have my way.
All, do. and end our first and last quar-
relu'
There was subtitle fondncss in her
tone, an undelinahle power in her swift
upward glance that swayed his waver-
ing heart. but the golden token on his
finger pressed him under her clinging
hand. and he shook his head.
NO. dear. such a VOW is not to be
broken. | must earnestly consider
your quest, wish YOU had asked me
anything but this, he went on, visit
fully, seeking sympathy in her soft
dark eyes.
But Cynthia tenderness had van
ished. Sha drew back piqued, i'll at
e,se, in her supplant attitude; an ON
iniOus frown dlrkennd her fair fore
head rs she turned away.
"As you will, sh, said c'llly.
Memories that Cynthia's presence
had chased for many months crowded
vividlv into the widowerS mind as he
strollrd on, Needless OF din and traffic
or the direction to be prrsued. Her
words OF anger and opposition had in
vested the ring h had almp grown
to regard with thn unthinkin@ gaze OF
custom with n.w and startling signiti-
cance' 1t simply rivetel him to the
past. He mi ght discard it. still hold
ing its purposn in his heart; but the
thought was a base one: he knew that
his dea wifi. would II IT have borne
such VOW to the gates of Heaven, and
that no sacrifice would have abatel the
strength and indurance of the love
which he dare not weigh with Cynthia !
impulsive passion. lie had hardly
lwelt on it since she had been takel
from hm-at first because it meant
hopeless hearteache, latterly because il
seemed disloyal to his betrothed; but
now, at this turning point, he realized