Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1900-03-12
Continued.

will forget what you may think OF the
irrprudence, and remember only the
interest in yourself which prompted
me to come. Will you promise me
tnat?"
Yes he replied. 81 may safely
promise that [ am sure you meant it
kindly"
He seemed to treat the whole matter
rs friendly interview, and this did
not please Lola.
kindly" she repeated, bitterly.
What a word to use to me! am not
kind to you In coming to say good
bye to you, I have been kind to my
self"
She drew a little nearer to him, her
warm, white hand lying still in his.
e'How could you, Sir Karl, be so
cruel as to write that note? Tell me
honestly, had you no idea of the
trouble and sorrow it would give me?''
81 know you are always very good to
me" he replied; ''but I could not pos
sibly think that The going or coming
OF mere acquaintance like myself
would be of any moment to YOU
He said this purposely; to show her
this was no love scene in which she
had forced him, as it were, to take a
part She withdrew her hand suddenly
from his clasp, and stood before him
erect and naughty.
do you mean that you look upon
yourself as nothing but mere ac-
Notwithstanding nearer or dearer?
Is that the end of all our happy hours
together-a mere acquafntance-while
have been so proud and happy in
thinking you my friend?"
He was again somewhat embarrass-
ed. The passion in her face and voice
startled him. What was he to do with
this impetuous girl? He looked grave
ly at her.
"TThe word friend is a sacred one, .
he said; sit implies a great deal-af-
lection, fidelity, forbearance and
loyalty"
Sand will you not give those to
me?" she asked.
There, was silence for some mo-
ments. He found that, so far from
having extricated himself from a false
position, he had increased his diff
cuIties.
THAT is much to ask he answered
gravely. 81 must consider the ques-
tom in all it's bearings"
What" she cried. ''Do you hesitate
when I ask your"
~ do not hesitate. say it is very
serious question. A pledge of friend
ship given and taken in that fashion
is as grave matter as"
He paused for the words that rose
to his lips would, he knew, lead him
into greater complications.
|I know what you mean" she said
with sigh and smile that were ir-
resistible-"you mean that it is as
grave a matter as a promise of mar
rfage."
The splendid, dark eyes raised sud-
denly to his face seemed to suggest
the idea. Why did he not make that?
He read the question in one glance
and he felt afraid of himself.
'<Of course it is a solemn pledge
she continued, 'fbut it is one that ]
think you need not be afraid Of What
cam one wish for more than to have a
true friend? A man who rejected an
offer Of friendship would not be wise. 2
81 do not reject 1T, Miss de Ferras.'
The smile that flashed back to him
from the girls beautiful eyes rem
dered him almost speeches..
$50 you say, Sir Karl; but you do
not seem to be in any hurry to accept
it
81 repeat" he said, "that you are
very good to me. You know what the
poet calls friendship-'love without
wings Your offer of it may be doUbly
valuable ito me for this reason-I am
not what is called marrying man. I
will tell you in all confidence that
loved once, and most unhappily. I
have no heart to give; and, knowing
this, 1 ought to value doubly the
friendship of woman"
Her face paled at first as she
listened; then gleam of proud de-
iance came into her eyes, which, if
he had seen it, would have put him on
his guard
''YOu are right" she said; eff you
are never to know the love of woman,
friendship is the next best thing. I
should not have believed, Sir Karl,
that you were one to love in vain"
81 did not love in vain," he an
swered, sadly.
Perhaps" she said, "some day.
when we know each other better, you
will tell me the story"
FT think not" he replied, all his
former distrust returning. "The past is
buried"
The CLEAN of defiance deepened in
the dark eyes.
perhaps you are right I shall al
ways respect your confidence, and
never ask you any questions. I am
glad you have told me this-I shall
understand you better. And from now
we are to be friends, Sir Karl-from
this day constant and faithful friends,
loyal to each other at all times and
In all places. Do you consent to this?"
HgIV YsDu1d he resist thn sweet thrill