The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1899-08-03

Paul" SAID, looking deep INTO MS
eyes, trying to concentrate upon him
ell the magnetism OF my love and de-
votion; paul. darling. do reassure me,
beg of you'll am 80 fearful"
Fearful Of what, pray, Cecile7" be
said.
THAT may lose you. dear" added.
''Now do not take your hand away. Do
not shrug your shoulders. You are too
lust not to understand that my posi-
ton Is horrible one. So many times
have been compelled to believe, as
now, that I was betrayed. Alas! l
have always kept silent. But this
time, Paul; this timer
The hand still wished to escape from
my grasp, but held it firmly. and his
eyes would not meet mine.
'1This time, Paul." then said. II
feel know, that an even graver sor-
row menaces me. have greater
fear. No, do not say that am In the
wrong to be so anxious! Some one
wants to take you from me, not for a
time, like those other periods when
you always grew weary and negiectful
of them. But this time 1t is different
Oh, Paul, Paul! You intend to leave
me-to leave me all alone forever"
He abruptly disengaged himself,
moved away, putting the table be-
tween us, and began to walk up and
down. He was greatly moved and
wished to avoid my glances. be-
lieve now that he was then afraid Of
relenting, and, taking me into his
arms, I heard him murmur: what an
absurd idea! Who has put such no
lions In your head? Most likely Del
butt! He had best cease his visits
herer
mo, Paul." said. 1T is not Jean
Debut, or, rather, 1t is not he alone.
Society is discussing our relations ad
libitum. / assure you they are talk
ing Of our divorce as settled thing,
and that is an appalling thought to
me. Pray acknowledge, dear, that you
agree with me-"
AS soon as had pronounced these
words my heart grew so cold and
seemed to cease beating, for Paul stop
ped walking, bit his lips and made no
reply.
paul" repeated in a broken voice,
do tell me, dearest that you do not
desire such contingency! But speak,
speak! Please answer!
"It is not a question Of divorce"
Paul replied, again at his ease. ITO
be sure, If my life here is made un-
bearable-you understand; If we must
constantly have such scenes, it would
be better to separate! But what is the
matter, Cecile? Cecile! Cecile! What
is it, dear?"
had risen. But suddenly my
strength failed me, and Paul, seeing
me totter, rushed toward me. He lift
ed me in his arms and carried me into
the adjoining room. In short time
revived and opened my eyes to find my
husband bending over me with look
of tender solicitude depicted upon his
countenance.
''You were foolish, very foolish" he
murmured, greatly troubled himself,
however. How could you have such
ideas? Come; come, now! You see l
am here close to you, and 1 love you"
"My dear, dear Paulw l said. do
repeat those wordsv'
81 love you," he said.
'You are indeed mine" then asked
81 am indeed yours" he repeated.
"You will never leave meY then
questioned.
"Neverp' he assured me.
AS he pronounced that last word it
was with an effort that he met my
glance, and understood that Paul
was not sure of himself.
Then spoke softly, tenderly to him:
eff you ever leave me, Paul, my life
will be ended. You will mortally
wound being who lives but for you,
one who has never done you any
wrong, who will suffer for you with
out recrimination, without any COM
plant. The only condition ask is to
be near you. And you will not be hap
py, Paul. 1 feel so confident Of that.
The coming years will seem long to
you, far from me. Take care, my dear.
one; do not let any one steal you from
me-"
"Cecilew Paul said in low tone.
He softly pressed his lips to my hair,
and it seemed to me that had to some
extent won him back again.
"Will you do me a favor that will
make me very happyw then asked Of
him.
Indeed will!' Paul replied.
And SO murmured: "Give me to-
morrow evening; give 1t to Cecile and
Genevieve. am sure that you have
not forgotten the date-the 2Sth Of
April? 1t is Genevieve's birthday, you
know. Tomorrow she will be IL years
old"
81 PROMISE" Paul said, rising. Il
will dine with you both here tomorrow
evening. But you must not be blue"
he added. you must not refer again
to this nonsense"
At that moment he would have prom
ised anything to be assured of my 81
lence on this subject
"As you have asserted that / have
deceived myself, dearest" then said,
81 ask nothing better chan to believe
you"
All, If could only persuade him to
remain oftener at home with me /
j