The Princeton union., 1900-08-02

something to do with it. But aside
from that he was at Lis best while
talking about his life work. Dorothy
forgot that he was theologue. Sew
eral times she was startled at her re-
sponse to his enthusiasm. He had
planned an original trip abroad and
the details Of what he intended to do
reused her native intensity to see re-
Suits
But right in the midst of his explana
ton Of what he expected to do in Lon
don Kirk paused.
Il heard you playing the 'Traume-
rel when came in, Miss Gilbert VIII
you please play it again :" --s@
Dorothy looked surprised at the alb
rupt change, but without word went
to the piano and began. Kirk knew
enough about music to know that she
played well, better than any one he
had ever heard.
When she finished, she turned about
and said: "You will hear some good
music while you are abroad, Mr.. Kirk.
The Germans, especially, furnish the
people with the very best music in the
parks and gardens at a very small
price" -
thought he might imply that she was
thinking of his poverty, of his inability
to hear expensive music in expensive
places. If he thought Of it, he made
no sign that she noticed. But he said:
II shall never hear any better music
than I have heard tonight"
The minute he had said it he felt the
same timidity seize him that came over
him the evening before. But it passed
away quickly, and, to his relief, he felt
a certain inward strength and indomi-
table courage fill him. Dorothy was at
first amused at the compliment; then
she was suddenly excited by it. Kirk
was as simple hearted as child He
had revealed his secret in the tone and
manner Of his words. 1t was the last
thing in the world he had expected to
do when he came. But greater and bet
ter and wiser men than Malcom Kirk
have done as he did.
He rose at once and walked straight
over to the fireplace. On the mantel was
a miniature of Dorothy, painted by a
New York artist, young woman who
was famous for such work.
II have no right''-Kirk spoke with
out tremor-"but if I take this and
keep it for a year sacredly to guard it
from every eye but my own and never
to speak of it and then return it when
l come back
She was so surprised that her self
possession failed her. Kinks hand
was on the miniature with a mastery
that Dorothy noticed even at that mo-
ment.
"You are not unwilling? make no
claim. 1 have none. 1 simply shall
keep it for year. Perhaps the con-
stant sight of it will prove to me how
hopeless
The man paused and looked straight
at Dorothy. There was something so
hungry and at the same time so unaf-
fected in his look that again Dorothy
was speechlesS. He took the picture,
and it lay in his great palm moment,
and then his fingers closed slowly over
1t. He looked up at her again. She
had turned away and was neryously
tracing lines with her fingers on the
table
| II have no excuse to offer for what 1
have dOne," he said, and there was
that in his voice that made Dorothy
look up.
| II realize all the distance between
US. 1t will do you no harm to let me
have the picture and may do me good.''
Dorothy at last found her voice.
II have not let you have it. 1t seems
to me you have taken it anyway"
''You did not say no." replied NAL
com Kirk firmly. Then he paused as if
waiting an answer. And again she was
| silent. He moved toward the hall II
| love you, Dorothy Gilbert" he said.
| and he looked almost handsome as he
| said it. He stood there an instant, and
then he was gone, and Dorothy re-
NAMED like one who has felt some
great emotion, not yet measured. She
| had refused to let Francis Raleigh
| have the miniature. He had begged
| for it. He also was going abroad to
| finish his studies in art. But when he
asked for the picture she haG told him
no, and he had gone away without a
definite answer to his petition that she