The record-union., 1897-12-19

l.
VIII you allow me to take you to the
conservatory"
Almost In q dream she took his arm.
The conservatory was almost deserted
except by few people who We're en-
joying the soft, subdued light The
two, thus Unexpectedly brought to-
gether, said nothing. Dora was strug-
Cling for self-control, and DR.. Van Au-
ley himself was agitated and i'll at
ease.
Have you been we'll these last two
years. he managed at last to say as
he found a seat in a recess formed by
the thickly growing leaves of some
tropical plants.
Very Well indeed, thank you" she
answered, glad of an opportunity to
break the oppressive silence. Il hope
you Also
''Oh, yes" he interrupted quickly.
My trip TO Germany did me a great
deal of good. l Went back TO Heidel-
berg for a time, and then down the
Rhine. Then l spent a whole winter
In Florence. Oh, what a beautiful old
city it is.''
AS DR.. Van Auley turned TO allow a
stole a look at his face. 1t was thin
and pale; deep lines of care around the
eyes; the eyes themselves, thoughtful
and serious. looked as though they had
entirely lost their old habit of flash
ing on occasion with laughter or Joy.
The mans whole aspect appealed to all
the tenderness in Dora's nature. She
forgot her pride, the old indignant sense
or wrong, the painful humiliating past.
She seemed to know, as by a flash of
intuition, that he loved her still. and
that a word from her could bring back
the old-time light to his eyes. But she
felt she could not speak. She tried to
nsten to what he attempted to say
ABOUT some of his experiences in Flor
ence; but he soon saw how superficial
the Whole conversation was, and he
began to wonder what was going to
happen next. The silence had become
constrained and oppressive when. to
the relief of both, they heard the dis
tant strains of a waltz.
They are going to dance now. I be-
ieve." he said. Shall take you back ?
Your programme, l see, is almost fun
Ihere is room for a dance for YOU. :"
she said, with a faint, shy glance. as
she rose. She wondered afterwards
now she came to say these words. but
they came almost without volition.
The1r effect upon DIR. Van Auley was
like wine
have almost forgotten how to
dance" he said, smiling. but if you
VIII give me the next waltz" and for
che first time he looked directly into her
lace, perhaps you will teach me the
way you once did" She looked 50
sweet there beside him, the color COM
ing and going in her cheeks. her eyes
so bright with excitement, and back
OF that almost a love-light in them.
that he could not forbear this one al
fusion to the past.
Why, DR.. Van Auley," she exclaimed
impetuously. you know YOU are the
best waltzer in Boston"
This time he laughed. II would not
IKE to suggest that you have not a
gooo memory, Miss Winford,' he said.
out 1 thlnk this time it plays you
false"
My memory is too good a one" she
answered rashly.
Whea DR.. Van Auley and Dora
reached the ballroom, the dancing had
already commenced, and the former
was conscious of almost a bovish love
OF 1t when he heard the familiar strains
or one of Strauss waltzes.
Dora answered his questioning look
oy simple nod of her head and tho
next mf ment his arm was around her
ana they We're in the swing of the stem
ana the measure. The color famed IN
Aito her cheeks once as they whirled
past Lllllan and she caught her as
toh1shed, inquiring look; but she soon
gave herself up entirely to the enchant-
hheht OF a dance with one of the most
perfect walters she had ever known
only When the music ceased did tbav
stop, and then it was to pause in si-
iehce near an open window. They were
neither of them conscious of anv ono
out themselves-they both felt so
buoyantly happy only to he togatba,,
once loore.
DO you know I haven't danced since
l uaiiced last with you?" DR.. Van Au-
icy salo at last, looking at her intently
as they moved aside to be out of the
way Of others.
Wny? The question came only in
rant whisper He could merely see
a small portion Of her face, but he no.
tlced how the ready color sprang into
it is she asked it,
Il had been so happy with Won. T
could not bear"
Why. then, did You leave me so
cruelly?" Dora asked as she half
leaned cut the open window The lights
on the lawn flashed fitfully before her
eyes, half blinded with the quick tears.
Strange time and place for a reconcil-
iation between lovers-here in this
crowded ballroom, but the spell of the
hour was upon them.
Why did 1 leave you, Dora. How
can you ask. when 1T was yourself who
sent me away? Can't we get out there
on the lawn? Come; here's your wrap.
see way out through that little side
door. Come, before any of those fell
lows see you and ask for their dances -
The next moment they were out in
the silent, beautiful night DR.. Van
Auley wrapped the shawl, which by the
way belonged to some one else, about
ber, and then seized her hands in a
close, impetuouS grasp.
Your Interpretation of Gottschalk's
beautiful music is right, after ALL" said
Dora, half an hour later, as they turned
to re-enter the house. while listening
to Professor De Liszt tonight 1 was
thinking of that afternoon when you
first played for me The Last Hope 1t
had no message for me tonight but one
of sadness / felt Skeptical. once or