The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-19


nldoen from view Lord Roseraye waited,
feeling as if some spell was upon him that
held him-a spell that he was powerless to
break. Suddenly Odille seemed to rouse her
self from her absorption. long, long sigh,
that was almost sob, escaped her lips; then
her myers touched the ivory keys. few
soft arpeggios, a couple of chords, then
Od1ies rich contralto voice rose, sweet and
clear, but weighted with such a wall of suf-
fering, that every n ote 1eemed like a rising
sob or falling tear.
Sweet is true love though given in vain, in
vain,
And sweet is death that puts an end to pain.
know not which is sweeter-no, not l.
Again and again the beautiful words were
repeated-in a tone Of passionate regret and
melancholy bitterness. 1t sounded like the
requiem of unrequtted love.
:" Sweet is death that puts an end to pain,
know not which is sweeter-no, not L. -
Lord Roseraye could bear it no longer.
Rising noiselessly from his seat in the shad-
oW, he crept closer to the piano, but still she
did not see him.
L know not which is sweeter-no, not l."
she murmured below her breath, thinking
aloud; then coming softly behind her, he took
her IN his arms, and drew her gently towards
him. whispering as he did So
Il can tell you which is sweeter, Odille-I
can prove it to you if you will let me. What
nave you, with your youth and beauty, to do
with death?"
Yet often wish that were dead she
answered, sadly, releasing herself from his
embrace; "for life can never be anything but
one long Calvary for me. 1 am weary of it,
and yearn for rest-the rest that 1 shall
only find in DEATH
Don't talk like that, Odille, my darling
you break my heart. 1 have always felt
the sympathy which true love gives told me
that you had some secret cause of grief which
weighed upon your spirit, and made you look
SO sad. What your sec1et is 1 am not afraid
OF it. l have only to gaze into those dear
eyes of yours to know that, whatever your
sorrow may be- shame has part in it.
Odille, love you. Trust in me-confide in
me. 1t is not curiosity that makes me ques-
ton you'll think you know that. If I knew
what 1t is that troubles you, l am sure
could help you. Even if it costs you an eff
fort to tell me, make the effort, and you will
feel relieved. You1 confidence will be sacred
to me- That also 1 hope, 1 do not need to
assure you"
He paused moment, then seeing that she
neither moved nor answered, but only sighed
and shook her head. he knelt beside her. and
taking both her hands in his, continued, in a
tone that was little more than a whisper
"Odille, my darling, listen to me-tell me
al-keep nothing back, or [ shall think that
you do not trust me. Let me comfort you;
let me make you happy; let me teach you to
smile again. 1 feel that you love me; and L
oh, Odille, I love you, 1 love you-be my
wife,
She drew her hands away from his, and
with smothered sob rose to her feet. When
she spoke her voice scarcely audible
L thank you, Lord Roseraye, for the very
great honor you have done me in asking me
to be your wife, but it cannot be-"
But why should it be impossible, Odille?
have right to ask you that question,
think. What is there to hinder you from be-
coming my wife, unless you have no love for
me-unless there is somebody else whom you
prefer to me? Tell that I have a rival
and will leave you in peace. will not say
another word
There is one else Lord Roseraye-I am
perfectly free" was the young girls reply,
spoken in a weary, despairing tone
Tell me you do not love me, Odille, and
will not say another word
For moment there was silence between
them, then, averting her face, so that he
should not see the anguish in it, she forced
the lie from her lips
"I-do-not-love-you."
But the effort was too apparent. Her voice
shook in spite of herself and betrayed her.
"And you think I believe you!" he cried,
triumphantly. mo, TO. Odille-don't turn
your head away-I defy you to look me
see you, and say that you do not love me-"
Another silence, then Odille answered,
calmly, this time in tone of resigned de-
spair-
you shall have it. confess do love you, but
that fact can make difference to my de-
lcision-it is irrevocable; nothing, no power on
earth can alter it. If my love were hundred
times-ten thousand times greater than it is
and it is great enough, Heaven knows!-
my answer would still be the same. can
never be your wife. Do not ask me to tell
you why; it is impossible; I can explain
nothing \
you have secret?"
|: 81 have. 81
(Which you are afraid-ashamed to reveal?
You can answer me that question, at any
rate?"