Waterbury Democrat., 1901-03-01
CHAPTER TX. DISAppOIVTMTNT.

1 Salvati ton Army hall to the NaSplalneS, {, and Stuart never knew what he said to Una as they walked on. Rhena's look as the door had opened revealed part of the truth to Stuart. If Rhena had been in Una's place during that half mile, there would have been no queS- ton of his determination to decide his destiny at once. As it was Una was at first very gay in her rallying questions and remarks, and then as she neared her home she grew quiet and finally naughty and chilling in her whole at titude toward Stuart. She did not know all, but she guessed the state Of Stuart's mind toward Rhena, and she was piqued, if indeed a deeper feeling did not enter into her thought, at the sight of the indifference of her old playmate to the beauty and attractive ness he had once seemed to enjoy. She bade him good night abruptly and went in at once, leaving him standing somewhat awkWardly by the door waiting for Louise.
 When Louise and VaSplaine finally appeared. Stuart moved down the steps, and without waiting for Vas blaine to say good night he said: "Lou-
 
 Good night, Vasplaine.'
 Good night, Good night. Louise," cried the young man, and he went up the steps at once and into the house.
 For few minutes as the two walked back neither said anything. Finally Stuart asked abruptly:
 How long has NaSplaine been call ing you Louise?
 Ever since we were children" re- piled Louise in a mocking tone. But she was very much excited and never looked so pretty in all her life.
 But not in that tone of voice." re- piled Stuart. He looked at the face in the fur trimmed hat.
 Louise looked back at ilim with just the faintest indication of q sheer on her lips Hal asked me to marry him. she said at last.
 And what did you tell him?" asked Stuart quietly.
 T told him I would"
 The two walked on in silence, broken only by the crisp sound of the dry snow under their feet.
 Do you love him, Louise?' Stuart asked gently.
 "Oh, I like him we'll enough! He is''-
 ..Stop, Louise! I can't bear to hear you speak that way of such serious matter. Do you know what sort of man Nasplaine is:'
 Louise was at anger heat in mo- mcnt She wrenched her arm from Stuart's and spoke with passion she really felt. No, no! Do you think l spy out his habits? He's as fast as most of the young men, I suppose. What difference does it make? What right have you to pass judgment on him:'
 Stuart was staggered at first. Then he recovered himself and replied: "Louise, I love you. You are my sis ter. 1 speak as I do because of my knowledge, and I say to you that if you marry Hal Vasplaine you will be a miserable woman. Louise, listen to me-" Stuart went on, his love for his sister for the moment causing him to forget his own condition. This man who has asked you to marry him is oh, Louise, he will wreck your life! He is''-
 You need not say any more,' inter- rupted Louise coldly. 1T have promis- ed to marry him. I like him. 1 be- lieve love him even, since your brutal attack on him behind his back You claim the privilege of marrying be- meath you. Let me do the same, if that is what you call it.''
 Stuart reeled almost as if he had been struck. He had been standing facing Louise since she took her arm from his. He passed his hand across his eyes, and then in a low tone he said:
 "Let us go on. We shall never un- derstand each other.'
 Louise without a word took his arm again, and they went on in silence. By the time they reached the town square most of the lights were out, except in the houses where the sick and dying lay. Everything was wrapped in the quiet of q still winter night. The Sal vation Army hall looked cold and bleak, it's unpainted siding black with age. There was light shining from Rhena's room. Their way led right past the house. Stuart trembled as he went by. He feared Louise might say some thing.
 She did not, however, and neither
 
 Aunt Royal was still up and waiting for them. ''You must have walked fast,' she said, looking keenly at them both.
 "We did" replied Stuart. Ut is very cold night"
 He went into the library, where there was an open fire burning in the grate. The rooms were still heavy with the perfume of roses and carnations.
 Aunt Royal and Louise followed him, after Louise had said few words to her aunt. Aunt Royal was as excited as she ever allowed herself to be.
 Louise tells me you object to her marrying young Vasplaine," she said, confronting Stuart abruptly.
 Stuart was surprised. He did not think Louise would mention the matter to her aunt. But Louise was thorough ly angry, and small natures like hers are never satisfied to wait long before expressing resentment. It was very natural thing for her to confide at cnce