The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1898-01-29
DORa'S SACRIFICE.

lips, their hearts were beating in
unison, though not SO unanimously rs
before, and now that the first rapture
and thrill were over they were asking
questions, and making their little con-
fessions, after the manner OF lovers
on the threshold of an engagement.
elbow many times have l been in
love before? Now, Jack, do you think
that is fair question:" she asked,
meeting his look with roguish
glance.
"Why, certainly it is, Doro," he re-
piled, earnestly. "You say you love
me, 50 it doesn't reall y make any
difference about the others; they're
done for now; but think ought to
know. Still, if there arc so many OF
them -"
"Please stop, Jackl I won't have
you saying such dreadful things, and
with that look on your FACET she in
terrupted, playfully placing her hand
over his mouth, but quickly withdraw
ing it when he attempted to kiss it.
elbow dare you'll" she exclaimed,
"after the way you've been talking!'
"Well, # you don't want me to say
things why don't you answer my
question:"
"Must I,Jack?"
81 am afraid you must, my dear
"And you won't hate me after tell,
will you?'
"Well-"
I "'That depends, You are going to
say. You needn't hesitate so long; /
can read your thoughts.
''Can you? That's convenient for
YOU, I'm sure. I wish I could read
yours, then I'd know the answer to
my question"
"Would you really like to know?"
"Why, yes, or I shouldn't have
asked ii"
"Well, Jack, if it will relieve your
mind any to know it,you have no pre-
decessors.
care you sure, Dora?"
eyes, Jack. You are the first and
only"
"Thanks, awfully, Dora! I'm glad
to hear it; and now that question is
settled we will"
ooh, no, my boy; you don't get off
quite so easily as that! I want your
confession now. About how many
dozen times have YOU been in love,
pray tell?"
Jack Vernon WINGED. He hadn't
counted on this, exactly.
"Come, young man, you are now on
the witness stand, sworn to tell the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth!' she continued,
banteringly.
"Must II" said Jack, helplessly re-
peating her question of a few min
utes before.
81 am afraid you must, my DEAR"
mimicked she.
"But 1 an afraid you will hate me
after confess"
"Is the record, then so long?"
"No; it is very short one. have
never loved but once-before."
"And she-she refused you?'
no, l never asked her. /"
"Why not? You see, I want the
whole story now"
"Because Of pride. She was q
wealthy heiross, I penniless lawyer,
with my fame and fortune yet to make.
I loved her; am not ashamed to say
it; she was q woman that one could
not help loving; she was all to mo
then that you are now, and"
"And more Go on and say it,Jack;
Iwant the whole truth. "
ono, l won't say that, but she was
the first, and love was new sensa-
ton to me theu, and if hal been her
equal in wealth and station l might
but, pshaw! What is use of telling
you all this? 1t is all over now. Her
love was not fov me. l have put it
aside-and, besides, have you. But
why are you looking so sober, Dora?
HIVE l confessed too much? You
wanted the whole truth, you know"
"Yes, and 1 am glad you were brave
enough to tell it. How long ago was
it that-that this happened?" she
faltered.
"Three years."
"And her name?" she asked, in low
tones.
"Need tell that2'
eyes, please" said Dora, family.
"Edith Burton"
Dora's face grew suddenly pale.
II thought, perhaps, she was the
one," she said, in voice that Jack
scarcely recognized.
"Why, do you know herr" he OK.
claimed, in surprise.
II used to room with her OF board.
ing school," answered Dora She had
regained control of her voice. now.
''She is good, noble woman, far bet.
ter than | am, and I don't wonder that
you love her."
''You mean loved" corrected Jack.