The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-12-04
The Chord of Love.
By MAUD HowARD PETERS N.

Miss Van Cortland drew the small sea
table nearer. and rearranged the dainty
cups with fingers that trembIed in spite Of
herself Once or twice she glanced at the
clock on the manteI-neryousIy expect
antly- Then she sat down and began to
think-to think OF him, - Of the years that
had flown since last they met. And he.
after a silence Of ten years. had written
to her that he would call today. It had
been like 8 voice from the past She look
ed thoughtfuIly into the glowing Goals in
the crate Would he find her changed?
How would be lock? Did he still care?
She hoped nee, for time is great softener
of all things; and then-he was married.
There was ring at the door She rose
and stood before the mirror that hung
above the Ilantcl and looked at herself
Time had dealt gently with her, but then
she was only eight and twenty, after all.
There was a knock on the door. She
turned suddenly and heard Parker's
bland, ll-moduIated voice
Mr.. Godfrey Goddard to see you,
ma am Shall I show him up"
Yes
hind him. Miss Van Cortland stood where
she was. with an expectant face turned to
ward the door. She wondered how she
could be so calm The slight nervousness
Of half an hour ago had vanished COM
pletely. She heard steps on the stairs.
Yes, she was glad that she had arranged
to see him here in her own little den
alone! It was more coy than the library,
less formal than the dTawing-Toom. A
figure stood withia the doorway for a no
ment, passive, still. until Parker had an
nounced him and left Then he advanced
cut of the shadow of the curtain, went
straight to her. and took her hand
Eleanor" was Ell he said Il was only
one word, but in spite OF the control he
had put upon himself. there were il 1t all
the agony and regret, the passion and
the love, of a lifetime.
Eleanor" he repeated.
1T is good to see you again-ten years
Is long while for friends to be parted, -
she said, quietly. Her tone and gesture
were cordial, but that was ali He could
hardly have expected anything different
sad yet
sit down here she went on, and tell
me all about yourself What have you
been doing? Where have you been living?
And your wife-I hear you are married.
yes, I am married" he said But you
are Miss Van Cortland still Why2''
Eleanor looked az him, and slight flush
rose TO her face.
"Oh, you see, I am such an old maid
now, 10 one VIII have ne"
Nonsense" he replied, seriously After
moments hesitation he went on We
are old fTiends-such old friends; will you
not tell me the real reason? Is it because
you once loved. and-and It endedg"
No. she said, speaking without emo
ton.
Goddard toyed with e cup and saucer on
the table Miss Van Cortland continued
1t is only in novels that men and WON
en- remain single all their lives. mourning
for an early love. It is not so in real
life. The man dropped his eyes before
her steady gaze You see, that sort of
thing is Tomantic-and unnatural" she
added.
Is it," he asked absentIy.
There was q long silence Miss Van
Cortland lighted the little alcohol lamp
beneath the copper kettle.
You must have cup of tea" she said.
Afternoon tea Is such s. sociable custom
Don't you think SOP
Goddard did not answer He rose, went
over to where she sat. snd-Iaid one hard
gently on her Own.
Eleanor" he said, why keep I'D this
farce? I have come TO ses you. to talk
about yourself. myself, the past. You
must listen"
"Geofrey'-it was tie first time that
afternoon that she had called him so
oh. Godfrey, can't you see it is not right
for you to do thisT Your wife"
She does net love me-" he replied. 81
do not love her. We are wretchedly. mis-
erably unhappy. 1 love onry you EIeano,.
l have loved you all my iife.''
The woman rose and faced him There
was a touch Of seorn in her voice.
And yet you left me for her"
Yes, I was mad, blind"
The woman looked into the fire. She
spoke softly, as if to herself
That summer-you and THE little
rfng,-'
Where is it now2' he asked.
Locked away" she said. geatly-'Tock-
ed away with the other ehildiSh things
have outgrewn."
You did wear 1t, then-after I went
away p
.fF'or time, yes"
''Then you did careg''
Eleanor rested one hand en- the table
and looked down upon It.