Waterbury Democrat., 1901-03-18

h4 N, 1 1.. l ..ls9 llslA l4.llA a4M S1. S1. with pretty show of aurnortty sne drew it from its resting place and fixed it in her hair. Do not flowers belong to the l bride ?''
 "Wear it in memory of me-" he said, l gently. "But now am going to in sist that you take steps to preserve those other roses which I am sure have bloomed for you. Have you dressing-room"
 l "Yes, but I am not sleepy and shall not desert you. Wait. Speaking of the rose, shall sing you song l love very much-that is, if can find my guitar. An, here it is! Now I'll sit here-and you right there-but wonder if can ever play in the dark? May not have just a little light? | won't mind"
 "How easily you forget! It is inn possible. Sing as you are; shall not hear any discord." He was astonished at her swift change of mood and a new, glad note in her voice. She sang low and sweetly, with perfect control of her tones, the ''Last Rose of Sum mer.' And then he understood bet ter. For in her voice he read that the soul and spirit of an impassioned woman dwelt in the slender frame yelled by the shadows of the room. He was silent. Every heartache that l had been crushed out of his manhood 1 seemed to have revived under the magic of subtle tone, an indescriba- ble. indefinable echo. It was resur- rection of something that had died hard within him.
 ''You do not like my singing" she said, disappointed, when, waiting for his praise, she found him silent and thoughtful.
 "Your singing? Yes. But a mem ory! Go to sleep now. Make yourself comfortable and leave me to keep watch. Yet stay; will you not sing over those lines again? To me they, are insxpressibly beautiful
 Standing in the doorway of her dressing-room, she sang the verse i through again softly without accom- paniment, waited until she was as sured that he would not speak, and then passed thoughtfully within. When she came forth, arrayed in her wrapper, she paused beside him, puz- zled over his change of mood.
 II am afraid you are going to be lonely" she said.
 Sleep, my child, sleep; I shall not be lonely-knowing you are there" Perhaps l am keeping you awake ?"
 "Yes. That is it; you are keeping me awake!''
 Well, l am holding out my hands and saying good night.'" she said. He found and pressed his lips upon them. He held them so tightly and srembled violently she bent down over him confused. One of her curls, loosened, dropped upon his neck, and another across his cheek. The mingled odor of her hair and the rose filled him with a strange intoXication.
 II am sorry if l have distressed you in any way she said; you have been kind, oh, so kind to me. Good night" He still held her hands, his face bowed upon them, his form shaking with strange emotion. Good night '' she said again. If l do fall asleep and you are lonely-oh, sir, you hurt my hands,
 Good night" he whispered, hoarse- 1y, recovering himself and releasing them. She crossed the room, and he saw her, dimly standing by the bed, as though in doubt. And then she sank softly to her knees and laid her head upon her arms, child-wise, in prayer. He arose and stood until he saw her head lifted.
 Wait" he said, earnestly; twill you not pray also for me?"
 T have prayed for you already" she answered.
 Will you tell me the prayer?' "Some time, perhaps, when it has been answered."
 He thought then that she had fallen , asleep, but after awhile she spoke again.
 Will you let me ask you question of yourself again?'' 'Yes, if you wish.''
 ''Dr. Brodnar said that you had never had but one ambition in life, and that you had been disappoiut ed 7 What did he mean?'' II once had ambition to be a great soldier. That is all. Were you ever a soldier?'' "1es, an officer in the regular army"
 And now?"
 I 'I am wanderer. A gentleman only"
 "Why did you leave the army?" T struck my superior officer. They l heard my defense and-let me resign . And the other-what became o1 ? him?''
 /, "He cheated at cards, was publicly insulted-and cashiered."
 "Why did you strike him?" "Is this asking a question:" 3 "Oh, forgive me! Good night" . "It is very short" he said, repent t. antly. "There was a woman in the g case; the card incident was but pre- l text" A low cry escaped the girl Then she said, half rising: g "You loved her?" | "Yes." He heard her sink slowly
 back upon her pillow. T thought so ;. at least-until now. I was mistaken | in her: my pride was wonnded n H.