The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-04-06

it's going to come true. . s
But, he protested, leaning forward
and resting his arms ON the table, I. 81 ]
make such nm Important ono want a
guarantee. Are you prepared to give it
to me?"
Don't be absurd, Jack; this is seri-
GUS. Now, wish something good. ("
Must ] tell you what it ism
mo. " doubtfully. s'You don't have
to, but you can if you want to. %
Well will tell you if I get It.
Now, mind, this is very important. .
Select three cards then. Does it con-
Germ q woman?"
Yes"
II might have known it. Is she light
or dark?''
That would be telling.'
oh, you arc too provokingr, petu-
iantly picking up tho cards. .It would
serve you right if said you didn't get
your old wish at oil %
But you won't do that?'
BE still. ! will if you don't Let go
OF my hands. See! You are making me
drop all tho cards -
"Nonsensel III help you pick them
up. just toll me if I get my wish. {"
Well, Ill see. There's that ten of
diamonds, and the deuce, and-ah, the
ace Of heartsl You will have it, sure,
but there is little disappointment just
at first. Isee-dear me, Jacki What arc
you doing? Let go my hands,"
Not until you have given me guar
antee for my wish.
What do you mean?"
Il mean-oh, we'll, you have known
1T all along You are my wish. No, no,
don't move. Come, dear, be serious with
mo for once.''
"But don'twant to BIO serious, she
cried, trying to draw away from him.
You have spoiled all my fortune
Lookl Hero SEQ u gift coming"
What do caro- for the cards or any
thing else in tho world but you? Come.
Nell Give mo an answer. You must
have some feeling of kindness in your
heart for me, your old friend"
That's it. she whispered faltering-
~, for tho first time letting her eyes
meet his. 1--WE are such old friends. I
have known you all my life-I -" rub
bling her hand on the table nervously,
Il am fonder Of you than almost any
one, but how can tell if that is love?
Jack, dear, can't we 60 OH in the old
way? 1 don't want to marry" Her fin
gers closed pleadingly. why should we
spoil it all by getting marricd2'
he made quick, impatient gesture.
oh, yesl I know it is different with
men, but would DO contented to live
on just as we are for years. Why, see!
We would never know what it was to
tire of each other. We would not have
all tho romance brushed OFF our love by
the monotonOus intimacy of married
life. We would have NIL of the delight
with mono Of the despair. don't know
why marriage should be regarded az the
height and pinnacle of earthly bliss. 1t
seems to me it is the ono great institu
ton that destroys love-
She gave restless sigh and let her
chin! sink Snto the soft palms of her
hands. The pink light from the lamp
fell upon her yellow hair, where it lay
III babyish rings on her forehead
He stood looking at her a moment,
his heart smothercd with pain and long
ing and love. Then he leaned slowly
forward and took both her hands from
her face and held them in the firm clasp
Of his
"Nell, DEAR" he said softly, "you
talk this way because you don't know
what love is. Why, do you suppose for
moment that mere pleasant compan-
ionship would satisfy q man who loved
you? He would be only half man to
accept what you suggested. AS for me,
cannot go on with our friendship. I
will not take crust when have asked
for bread. You cannot help it, dear, and
l must drop out Of your life and live my
own as best may"
He dropped her hands, and, turning
away, began to finger mechanically tho
little string that regulated the lamp I'M
til the flame began to flicker and finally
went out
~ beg your pardon. I have match.
can light it again." he muttercd has
tily.
She watched him in silence as he
struck light and with steady hand
once more sent soft glow over the
room.
Her eyes Travelled to his face, with
the light shining full upon it, 1t was
strangely still. She felt peculiar little
fiuttering sensation in her throat.
Jack, she whispered falteringly.
He turned in q sudden passion, and
catching both her hands drew her near
to him--so near that his white face was
almost touching hers.
She did not move, but deep flush
crept over his tanned checks, and his
arms frightened convulsively. Tho force
OF his clasp crushed and hurt her. His
face came nearer, nearer. Their breaths