Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1900-03-15
A Golden Heart.
BERTHA M. CLAY.
Continued.
BERTHA M. CLAY.

interest III SOuISelI MulCi pIOluPlSu
me to come. Will you promise me
that?"
Yes he replied. Il may safely
promise that am sure you meant it
ilindly.'
He seemed to treat the whole matter
as friendly interview, and this did
not please Lola.
kindly" she repeated, bitterly.
What word to use to me. l am not
kind to you. In coming to say good
oye to you, ! have been kind to my
So"
She drew a little nearer to him. her
Varm, white hand lying still in his.
How could you, Sir Karl, be so
&ruel as to write that note? Tell me
honestly, had you no idea of the
trouble and sorrow it would give me-"
Il know you are always very good to
me-" he replied; but | could not pos
Sibly think that the going or coming
If mere acquaintance like myself
would be of any moment to you.
He said this purposely to show her
his was no love scene in which she
ldu LII Itu llllliJ tlS II WV w bhENS -
part. She withdrew her hand suddenly
rom his clasp, and stood before him
erect and naughty.
do you mean chat you look upon
yourself as nothing but a mere &C
luaintance-nothing nearer or dearer?
Is that the end of all our happy hours
together-a mere acquaintance-whil
hnU ca M
thinking you my friend?"
He was again somewhat embarrasS-
I'd. The passion in her face and voice
startled him. What was he to do with
his impetuous girl? He looked grave
Y at her.
THE word friend is sacred one"
ne said; 1T implies a great deal-af-
lection fidelity, forbearance and
loyalty"
"And will you not give those to
me?' she asked,
There was silence for some mo-
ments. lie found that, so far from
having extricated himself from false
position, he had increased his diff
culties.
THAT is much to ask" he answered
gravely. Il must consider the ques
sion in all its bearings"
What" she cried. do you hesitate
when | ask you?"
Il do not hesitate. I say it is a very
serious question. A pledge of friend
ship given and taken in that fashion
- as grave a matter as-----
He paused; for the words that rose
10 his lips would, he knew, lead him
INTO greater complications.
Il know what YOU mean" she said
with a sigh and smile that We're ir
tesistible-"yo mean that it is as
grave a matter as a promise of mar
rage"
The splendid. dark eyes raised sud
denly TO his face seemed to suggest
he idea. Why did he not make that?
He read the question In one glance,
and he felt afraid of himself
COT course it is a solemn pledge, >
she continued, "but it is one that |
think you need not be afraid Of. What
can one wish for more than to have a
true friend? A man who rejected an
offer OF friendship would not be wise
Il do not reject 1t, Miss de Ferras."
The smile that dashed back to him
from the girls beautiful eyes rem
tered him almost speechless.
80 you say, Sir Karl; but you do
not seem to be in any hurry to accept
It."
4 repeat" he said, that you are
bo+
poet calls frendship-loye without
wings. Your offer of 1t may be doubly
valuable to me for this reason-T am
not what is called marrying man.
will tell you in all confidence that
/ loved once. and most unhappily.
laye no heart to give and, knowing
fhis. ought to value douby the
friendship Of a woman"
Her face paled at first as she
listened, then a CLEAN Of proud de-
dance came into her eyes, which, II
ne had seen 1t, would have put him on
mis- guard.
You are right. she said; "if you
are never to know the love of woman,
friendship is the next best thing.
should not have believed, Sir Karl.
shat you were one to love in vain"
Il 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"
II think not" he replied. all his
former dstrust returning, THE past Is
buried"
The CLEAN Of defiance deepened in
the dark eyes.
Perhaps Won are right shall al
ways respect your confidence, and
never ask you any questions. 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,
inyal to each other at all times and
In all places. Do you consent to thls?"
How could he resist the sweet, thrill
! ng voice.
'syaa Won h0nn- me he ranJfod