The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1899-01-07
OH pV'TR VI

"Weu. after all, life has its c0mpensa-
tons" says Mr.. Beauclerk, sinking upon
the satin lounge beside Miss Kavanagh.
and giving way to a rapturous sigh.
1t is week later, and the ball given by
Lord AMI Lady Baltimore is in full swing
Reauclerk is looking very big and very
handsome. His close-cropped, cminently
arstocratic head is thrown little back, 10
give full play to the ecstatic smile he is
directing at Joyce.
Il thought | should never be able to get
4 dance with you; You see"-smiliug-
when one IS the belle Of the evening one
grows difficult. But you might have kept
fifth or sixth for poor outsider like me.
An old friend, too
"Old friends don't count at dance, I'm
afraid says she with a smile as genial
as his own. though for the matter Of
that you could have had the first: no one
hard as it may be to make you believe it
had asked the belle of the evening for
that"
oh. that first" says he, with a gesture
Of impaticncc Il shau't forgive Isabel
in hurry about that; she ruined nv even
ing-up to this. However. throwing off.
rs it were. unpleasant memories by a
shake Of his head, don't let me spoil my
one good time by dwelling upon bad
enc. Here | am now ut all events: here
is comfort here is peace The hour
have been longing for is mine at last"
1T might have been yours considerable
earlier" says Miss Kavanagh. with very
noteworthy deliheration. humorcd by his
lover-lke glances. which. after all have
more truth in them than most of his dee
no MI III 1,,-
and with face immovable rs any sphinx.
DO you know" says Mr. Reauclerk.
gently, Il think you are the one sweet
character in the world There is great
amount of belief in his tone: perhaps half
Of It Is honest. Il never met anyone like
you. Women. a. a rule. are willing to
tear each other IN pieces. but you-you
condone all faults. that is why l.
\ pause. lie leans forward. His eyes
are eloquent; his tongue alone rcfrains
from finishing the declaration that he had
begun. To the girl beside him. however.
ignorant Of subterfuge. unknowing of the
Wiles that run in and ont Of society ike
a thread. his words sound sweet-the
Swcerer for the very hesitation that ac-
companies them.
Il am not 50 perfect rs You think me"
faint.
That is true" says he, quickly. a
though compelled against his Will to find
fault with her Awhile ago you We're an
cry with me because | was driven to waste
MY time with people uucongendl 70 ne.
That was unfair. If YOU like" He throws
her own accusations back at her in the
gcutlest fashion, y danced with this, that
and the other person, hut 10 You know
where my heart was all the time
He Qauses for moment: just long
enough to make more real his question.
bu- hardly long enough To let hcr reply
Ia il. 70 bring matters 10 4 climax would
not suit him Al all.
Yes, You do know" says h, seeing her
about 10 speak. And Yet you misjudge
mo, If were to tell you that | would
rather Ice with YOU than with any other
woman in the world, You would believe
me. wouldn't you:"
He stoops over her. and taking her hand.
presses il foudy, liugering}y. Answer
me"
Yes" says Joyce, in q low tone. Il has
not occurred To her that his words are Il
question rather than an assertion. That
be- loves her seems t. her certain. \ soft
glow ,lumlues her cheeks: her eyes sink
beneath his; the idea that she : happy. or.
at au events. ought 10 Ice happy. ifs her
With "A curious wondermenr. nopaople a.
ways feel 80 strange. - surprised. - IN
sure. when love comes:
"Yes Won did doubt" says Beauclerk.
giving her hand Il last pressure. and now
nesting back among his cushions with all
the air Of man Who has fought and con-
guarcd and has received his raUa-.E
Well. don't ler u throw an unpleasant
memory into this happy hour AL have
said" taking up her fan and idly. il crac..-
fully, waving il 10 and frg. after all this
turmoil e the night it : sweet 70 be- At
llsc in the haven where one would be
lie : smiling al Joyce-the gayeSt. the
most candid smile N the world
Beauclerk indeed Is enjoy;n. himself