Omaha daily bee., 1897-11-21
Copyright, 1897. by A. II. Hawkins.


nounces his lave for Cydaria
Copyright 1897 by a. II. Hawkins.
CHAPTER IX.-Continued.
sat where | was, hearing nothing but the
echo OF her laugh, unable to think, save of
the truth that was driven so cruelty into my
mind. The first realizing of things that can
not be undone brings to a young man
fierce impotent resentment. That was in my
heart, and with 1t a sudden revulson from
what | had desired. as Incorporate as the
desire, as cruel 1t may be- as the thing which
gave 1t birth. Nells laughter died away
and she was silent. Yet presently felt a
hand rest on my hands as though seeking
TO convey sympathy in grief but half un
derstood. 1 shrank away, moving my hands
until hers no longer touched them. There
are little acts. small matters often on which
remorse attends while life lasts. Even now
my heart Is sore that | shrank away from
her She was different now in nothing from
what had known her. but l, who had de-
sired passionately, now Stunned her. The
thing had come home to me, plain, close, in an
odious intimacy. Yet l wish l had not
shrunk away. Before I could think I had
done it. and found no words; better. per-
haps, that l attempted none.
looked up. She was holding out the hand
her lips.
docs 1t burn, does it prick, does 1t soil.
Simon?" she asked. "See. touch It. touch it
1t is as 1t was, isn't it?" She put 1t close by
my hand, waiting for me to take it, but l did
not take it. "As 1t was when you kissed II ="
said she, but still did not take it.
/ rose to my feet slowly and heavily like
tired man whose legs are reluctant to resume
their load She stood quite still, regarding
me now with alarmed and wondering eyes
ITS nothing" | stammered. Indeed, it's
nothing. only hadn't thought of it. Scarcely
knowing what did / began to move toward
the door An unreasoned instinct impelled
me to get away from her. Yet my gaze was
drawn to her face. | saw her lips pouting
and her cheeks flushed the brightness Of her
eyes grew clouded. She loved me enough to
be hurt by me, II no more. A pity seized me
Turning, l fell on my knee and sezing the
hand whose touch l had refused. kissed It,
"Ah. you kiss my hand now," she cried
breaking into smiles again.
II kiss Cydaria's hand" said I. "For in
truth l am sorry for my Cydara.
she was no other than l am" she whis-
pered, and now, with touch of shame, for
she saw that / felt shame for her.
Not what 1t hurts u.s. but what we know"
said |. "Goodby, Cydarla." and again kissed
her hand. She drew it away from me and
tossed her head: crying petulantly:
II wish hadn't told you,''
'In Gods name don't wish that" said |,
and drew her gaze on me again in surprise.
i moved on my way. the only way my feet
could tread. But she darted after me and
idlu HtT manu- Uu my IOUkeu at HeI
In amazed questioning.
You'll come again, Simon, when?" The
smile would not be denied though it came
timidly. afraid for its welcome and dlstrust-
full of dts right when you're better,
Simon"
l longed-with all my heart longed-to be
kind to her How could the thing be to her
what 1t was to me? She could not urier-
stand why was aghast; extravagant despair
all in the style of vanquished rival, would
have been easy for her to meet. to ridcue
to comfort. knew all this, but could not
find the means 10 effect 1t or to cover my
own distress.
you'll come again, then?" she insisted
pleadlngly.
"No." said l. bluntly and cruelty, with un.
willing brutality,
AT that sudden gust of passion took her,
and she turned on me denounclng me fiercelJ
In terms which she took no care to measure.
for prudsh virtue which for good ev !
was not mine and for a narrowness O!
which by reas was not guilty. | stood dc.
fenseless in the storm, crying at the end +.
more than, 81 don't think thus of you"
yet you treat me as though you though,
thus" she cried. Yet her manner softenet
and she came across to me, seeming now as
II she might fall to weeping. But at the in
stant the door opened and the saucy maid
wh1 had ushered me in entered, running
hsstlly to her mistress. in whose ears she
whispered uoddng and glancing the while
at me.
she added hastily: He'd best not find yor
here"
Il ask no better than to be gone" said l.
-'I know. know" she cried. Were no
disturbed The kings coming interrupti
nothing, for all is finished Get you gone
then out of my sight" Her anger seemed
to rise again, while the serving girl staret
back, astonished as she passed out. Ye
II she went to stay the kings coming she
was too late For be was In the doorway
a had sSp1 thrnuPh ha haf
heard Nel's last speech, and now he showed
himself. asking easily:
who's the gentleman of whose soclet!
you are so ready to be reieved?"
turned, bow'ns low, The king arched hi
brows. 1t may well be that he had had hli
I'LL OF me already. and that he was not vel
plolsed TO stumble on me again, and In this
place. But he said nothing, merely turning
his eyes to Nell In question,
"You know him, sir" said she, throwing
herself into a chair,
Eyes | know him." said the king "But
II / may ask without presumption, wha
briggs him here?"
Nell looked at the pair of us, she kinl
and Simon Dale. and answered coolly;
my invitation"
.TRe answer is all sufficient" bowed tn
king I'm before my time then. for Fv
received like honor"
mo he's after his" said she. But, a
you heard. sir. was urging him to 60"
"Not on my account, pray" said the KIM
politely
"No. on his He's not easy here"
"Yet he outstayed his time?'
.sWe had a matter OF business together
str. He came to ask something of me, bu
matters did not prove to be as he thought:
Indeed; you must tell me more or shoul
have told me less. I'm of mighty curlou
disposition Won't Mr.. Dale sit?'' And tn
king seated himself.
II will beg your majestys permission q
depart" said ].
IAN requests here. sir. lie with this lady
grant or refuse. In this house am u serV
ant-nay. slave"
kine's chair stood there.