The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-31

though 1 am turned out of paradise, we
viii find way of meeting. If you love me
l VIII never give you up. Life without you
would not be worth living. Only be true TO
me. Evlyn-be true or you will break my
heart"
He wrung her hand, looking with pas
sionate entreaty into her face, then, with
out glance al Gilbert Conyers crossed the
lawn TO the shrubbery and disappeared.
1t is most unkind and unjust Of papa,
she declared Indignantly, looking after her
lovers retreating figure What has poor
Julian done. that he should be banished in
Docs his Punishment grieve you so
deeply?' her companion asked, with q
searching glance at her. You make me
think-you make me fear that he is more
10 you than / supposed"
lie is dear friend, almost like a
brother
And nothing more?
You have no right to ask the question, =
was the rejoinder.
Il might reply that my own feelings for
you give me the right" he said quietly; but
1t Is not of myself that / am thinking now,
il is OF. you and your happiness. You have
not'-his voice had thrill Of anxiety-"you
have not engaged yourself to Lyston%
II have engaged myself to no one" she
answered lightly, and have no intention OF
doing so at present. And now, IL you have
quite finished cross-examining me, perhaps
you will come in to tea?'
Presently. Let. US take turn in the
l<nden-walk first"
She hesitated and seemed about to re-
fuse, but he coolly drew her hand through
his arm, and she yielded, as she generally
found herself doing to the quiet mastery of
his will, which fascinated her, though she
chafed against It,
They walked on a few PAGES In silence be-
meath the overarching bows, which tenn
pered the strong June sunshine to soft
green twilight cool and shadowy.
You say that it is no concern of mine TO
whom your affections are given" he began
at last. Have you quite forgotten then
what said to you under these very trees g.
month ago? and the question asked you
question which has
swered?"
She made no reply, but her face showed
that she remembered.
II told you that l loved you, dear" he
continued, and 1 asked If you would be my
wife. You said that you must have time for
consideration-you Gid not know your own
mnid"
land now SEEM to know 1t less than
ever" she declared.
His face clOuded
You are not treating me fairly" he said,
in a tone she had never heard from him be-
while you balance lily claims against those
of Julian Lyston. You must choose between
us once and for all. Come, kviyn, he
added more gently, you have kept me IN
suspense long enough, do not try me further.
l want only three words, but all your heart
must come with them.
He laid his other hand on hers, holding II
with a close warm pressure which thrilled
her as no touch of Julian's had ever done.
rs it so difficult to say, i love you? " he
The girl trembled, and her color faded
A chord in her nature, which had never yet
been tuched. vibrated to his tone. She
felt that it would only be too easy to
speak the words he longed to hear. They
seemed to surge straight from her heart
to her lips. But with Julan's pale plead
ing face still haunting her. and his pas
sionate entreaty ringing in her ears, she
could not bring herself to utter them.
Il cannot answer you now-it is inn
possible she said hurriedly. Another
tine-not nowi'
He looked at her a moment IN silence.
His face was grave and anxious.
$50 be it," he answered, coldly. 81 will
wait your pleasure. though this procrsti
trifiing with the hearts of two men who
love you-a cruel pastime-and possibly a
dangerous one
THAT sounds like a threat" she eX-
claimed with forced smile.
mo, it is merely a warning" he an
swered, and said no more.
Those warning words were destined to
recur to her not long afterward with all
the force of a prophecy fulfilled.