La Junta tribune. (La Junta, Bent County, Colo.) 1881-1939, 1898-10-15

nave been intended FOR her as much
as for Monteith. Monteith took no no.
uce of 1t. He turned to shake hands
with Elspeth. then. coming back to
Lilith's side. took a seat beside her
You have sent for me, and. in obe-
dience TO your request. ! am here"
he said. in lowered tone. Elspeth
rose and made a motion as If TO leave
the room.
"Oh, don't go. please, Miss Troll"
cried Lilith. Il wish you to play to
US. Something low and soft and sweet,
like this divine evening. And we shall
sit and dream while you are playing.
Ask her, Mr. Monteith."
Il shall play If you wish me, Miss
Stuart" said Elspeth again. She came
back, and going TO the piano, opened
ii, and running her fingers over the
keys. began one of Mendelssohn's
Songs Without Words"
Lilith lay back in her chair. an ex-
preston of delight on her changeful
face.
"Ah! don't distress me-" she said.
when Monteith made movement as
II he were about to speak. DO you
know what | feel like? A dream-yes;
and 1t is of the past-the past that
comes never agaln," She sighed
little, and her long dark lashes swept
her cheek, lying like a shadow upon
them. Monteith looked at her for
moment. Perhaps no other man in the
world could have looked at her with
out n thrill of admiration.
She lpnkpI IiyippIyr ia i,. and i,-in
sweet at that moment; but Monteith's
face was strangely cold and stern.
Elspeth played on and on. She was
only paid employc. and, however
calling 1t might sometimes be to obey,
she knew that on LiIith Stuarts favor
depended her situation: for Lady
Westray was not in "A position to defy
the mistress Of Crag Castle.
And Montelth. in spite of himself.
began to feel strangely softened His
mind wandered to the oid-fashioncd
garden at Abbot's Head and to the
dainty figure that used to fit among
the rose-bushes there. He had almost
forgotten the one beside him. and
started as a soft hand fell on. his
Let us go out" whispered Liliths
voice almost in his ear, Ito the terrace.
The evening Is so enhancing that it
seems shame to remain indoors. And
do you hear the birds singing in the
garden? / do even above the music.
You will Gomez" Monteith rose with
out word. AS they passed the piano
Lilith tapped Elspeth lightly on the
shoulder
Thank you. 1t is beautiful" she
said. But we have demanded too
the terrace"
Elspeth looked after them as Lilith's
sea-green robe vanished outside the
window
Dare warn him." she said to her
self. And yet | think he knows her
He does not trust her; but there is no
one in the world | distrust more"
Lilith had gone to the edge of the
balcony and leant upon the balusters.
From that point the view was one
which can only be seen in northern
lands. Although it was long past sun
set. the sunset glory still fingered in
the western sky in coiors SO gorgeous
and vivid that no painters brush
would dare reproduce them,
Monteith had followed Lilith and
leant his arm on the balustrade She
looked up at him. her eyes cleaning
strangely.
you have something to say to me-
What is it,"
"Yes. | have something to say to
you" Monteith answered slowly, as if
l, iub la Iltt :.
fortnight ago. Lilith Stuart, you and |
met again under strange circum-
stances. You asked me then If 1t was
to be war or peace between u.s. ! have
come now to give you my answer.
Once upon time | was your dupe
and believed in you: but that Is long
ago. Now | know you as you are.
am no longer taken in by your smiles,
your touches. your sweet words. |
know what these are worth, and |
measure my strength, not against
them, but against yourself. And hav-
ing said this, | have said all You un-
derstand me now?'
She was still looking at him, but the
expression in her eyes had slowly
changed as he was speaking. There
was something in them now not pleas
ant to see-something cruel. cleaning.
almost wolfsh. She put her hand 10
the lace at her white neck, and her
little pink nails dug into it hercely.
Then 1t is to be war;" she whis-
pered, almost kissing the words III a
sibilant undertone.
"If you like to put it so--yes, Miss
ri catI fha ynunp man |
gravely
She leant over the balustrade again,
her face growing curiously pale and
set Then suddenly she sprang erect.
turning to him, laid her hand on his
arm.
Evan, remember all the past! Oh,
Is that nothing to you?"