Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-10-09
THE KING OF HEARTS.
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'7~'~f>-~f-N--N-T7~S-S-~
ca HE bright spring sunshine was
pouring in at the window, fleck-
- ing with gold the hair of young
girl who stood gazing at a photograph
in heart-shaped silver frame, which
held the place of honor on the mantel-
piece. Her thoughts were evidently
far away from her surroundings, as
she failed TO hear footsteps approach
ing, and was only recalled to herself
by the maid announcing Captain
Stewart" 4 flush of burning color
swept over Elsie's face, and quick as
thought she snatched the heart-shaped
frame from it's place, and holding 1t IN
her left hand, advanced to meet tall,
fair man, whose pale face showed signs
of recent illness, and who carried his
right arm in sling.
why, Jack!' she said, 81 had no idea
Won were in London; did the doctors
give you permission to travels"
Her pretty face was still flushed, and
after answering her questions as to his
health, Jack Stewart felt difficulty in
returning TO their old friendly footing;
there was a subtle difference in her
manner to him that made him vaguely
uneasy.
SO 1t was more by way of conversa-
ton than desire for information that
Jack asked, laughingiy:
"And who is the king OF Hearts
now? Roberts, Kitchener or BullerT'
Then as his glance fell on the vacant
place or the mantel-piece. he started
and said, more seriously:
THE King of Hearts not in his &C
customed place. What is the meaning
Of this. Elsie2r
Once more a blush swept from brow
to chin. and Elsie, averting her eyes,
remained silent. Then it was that
caught sight of the frame in her left
hand.
"why. you have 1t there!" he said in
astonishment. MAY l not see your
new hero?' Then. Elsie remaining ST
lent with his free hand. gently took
the frame from her unresisting clasp,
and without looking at il, laid IT face
downward on a table near. and, resum-
inc his seat by her side. looked at her
with troubled eyes.
But three short months had passed
since he had sat In that room, and had
learned from her lips that though she
did not love him, she loved no enc else
and he had started off TO South Afrlca
with hts regiments buoyed up witt
hopes OF ultimately gaining her love
month ago he had been invaded
home. and as soon as his doctors hat
pronounced IL safe for him TO travel h,
had come straight to Elsie, only 10 tint
she had secret from him that bad.
fair to lessen his hopes. From child
hood Elsie had been a hero-worshipel
of the most ardent kind. and had a col
lection Of her heroes photographs tina
would I'LL a good-sized album. on he
fifteenth birthday Jack had given he
a-heart-shaped photo frame, which wa
destined to contain her hero of the mo
ment. who was laughingly dubbed b.
Jack the King Of Hearts.
Many and various were The faces h
had seen III that frame. but now h,
feared that the real king had come
who would not only retain undlspute'
possession Of the photo frame, ou
would also reign in Elsie's heart.
With visible effort Jack Stewar
reused himself from his painful
thoughts. and turning to Elsie said:
las I may not see your new hero
perhaps you will tell me about himg"
Anything you ask me. except hi
name,' she replied. meeting his gaz
for the first time.
'sHe is soldier, of courseT
Yes she answered quietly.
aGoodlooking."
VERY good-lookiag. she said earn
eStly, but with averted face.
Jack. feeling his fears confirmed b,
her tone, went on hurriedly:
well. We have got this far. az an,
rate; he Is physically perfect"
Il did not quite say thai" she said
looking mischievously at him.
mo doubt you mean that. VIVA
shout his character. Do you know hin
very weIlT'