Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-01-27

breath swept his throat. 1t vas but
seconds ncarness, yet his heart gave a
throb Of almost savage joy. In fash
her beauty became temptation, 4. pas
sionato happiness filled him, breeze
seemed to sweep along his nerves, and
ha knew why an unexplained JOY had
come to him with the first sight of this
woman $ face.
With her arri-"l his senses had strug-
gled to awaken az at a call. Now there
was 10 resisting the feeling. 1t was
quick. complete fascination. Conscious
Of it, he grew silent and looked at Olga
with new vision.
He felt how apart from all others is
the moment when man first faces the
question placed before him by his own
consciousness, "Is this the woman l am
to love-" 1t may he he awakens to the
truth slowly after she has passed through
the changes from stranger to nearest
friend. Or one look into an unfamiliar
face may blur all save the pursuing
newness of that one truth. The moment
is the same-oversweet, painful, init
mately dear, never to be forgotten.
There was no chance for further talk
between them. Smedley Joyce bore
down on Olga with a monocled stranger
in tow. A moment afterward q famous
singer was announced. Every ono knew
it was Smedley Joyce's law that the
music for which he paid SO much should
be respected, and silence save for an &C.
casional whisper and rustic settled upon
the crowd as the singer appeared.
She was pale, with heavy lidded, sad
eyes. A white gown draped her thin
form. Roses famed in her girdle. Her
contralto voice was strange, unearthly,
as she sang in q whisper Of the heart
wrung damosel who watched from
heaven. She sang Of love with death
closely following. Her fingers moved
slowly; she seemed talking to the keys:
81 wish that he were come to me
For he will come" she said.
"Have not prayed in heaven2 On earth,
Lord. Lord, has he not prayedf
Are not two prayers perfect strength.
And shall be afraid7
"There will ask Of Christ the Lord
This much for him and me
Only to live as once on earth,
With love; only to be,
As then awhile, forever now
Together, and he"
Music had never moved David Tenn
pie like that strange song. It saddened
his heart, while his brain was ravished
with sense Of its beauty. 1t gave to
the new passion thrilling him an ideal
ity which it did not possess.
He looked at Olga, hoping for one
glance. but she was sitting with her
head turned away, her eyes on the sing.
er, waiting for the next song. David
wanted to hear no more. He wished to
keep the memory Of that cry Of human
need. holding an echo as if caught in
the far spaces Of heaven, to knit it with
the revelation of the hour.
Outside he found the dusk and the 10y
air. There was medley of cold colors
in the sky, the solemn night was near,
the avenue yelled in gray. He hurried
Oh, feeling a new happiness tempered
by the pain Of uncertainty. Questions
troubled him. Was this really love?
Was his hand upon the string from
which so many marvellous strains and
pitiful discords had been struck?
He had always calmly and remotely
contemplated the rounding of his life
with q great love, but something in him
had heretofore disdained sentiment. At
its best it had seemed a majestic weak
ness, commonly only ridiculous thing.
He had known perfect friendship, but
the love he had seen make fools Of the
wise, turn tho flow Of life completely
out Of its course, had seemed as removed
from him as insanity until tonight
He still felt the touch Of Olga's body.
the violet's perfume no sweeter than
her breath.
Only to live as once on earth
With love
GAS once on earthP' There was rap.
turous memory Of a joy he had never
known in those words. Their burden of
passionate melody went with him like
the voice Of conscience. He saw only
Olga's inviting eyes.