The Delta independent., 1901-05-17

night h somewhat chilly nor sucA -
mantle nonsense. However, you have
shown me my folly. 30 there 10 little
danger Of my repeating 1t. Shall We
return to the drawing-room?"
IN sne moment" he answered, hur-
riedly; whereupon Miss Trevanion
turned back once more, and, pausing
with wondering eyes. laid her hand
again on the balustrade.
Denzil appeared little pale-a little
nervous perhaps-in the moonlight.
but that was all; and his voice, when
he spoke. though low. was quite dis
tinct.
why will you not be friends with
me?" he asked.
Friends with you." Mildred repeat
ed. with calmest, most open-eyed as
tonishment. raising her face to his.
why, what can you mean? Have l
ohended you in any way? II SO, am
sorry, and. believe me. did not mean
to do so. l fancied 1 was treating you
as treat all my other acquaintances."
No. you do not" he rejoined. with
an odd repressed vehemence assert
ing itself in his tone; you treat me
very differently, as it seems to me.
Why. on all others you bestow a few
smiles. few kind words at least.
while on me-Miss Trevanion,I wonder
i wonder, If you could only guess
how much your simplest words are to
me, would the revelation make you e
little less chary of them?"
Il do not understand you." she said.
coldly, closing and unclosing her hand
with angry rapidity; 'and I believe
you yourself do not know of what you
are speaking
Yes, l do" he affirmed, passionate
ly. Il know l would rather have your
most careless friendship than the love
of any other woman. / would almost
rather have your hatred than what l
now fear-your indifference"
The moon had disappeared behind a
sullen dark gray cloud, and for a few
moments they were left in comparative
darkness. Miss Trevanions heart
was beating loud and fast; the cloudy
drapery that partially concealed, but
scarcely hid her delicate neck and
shoulders was strangely agitated. She
could not see her companions face. but
felt that he was trying to pierce the
momentary gloom to gain some insight
into her soul. He should read no
thoughts OF hers, she told herself. with
proud reliance on her own strength:
he should not learn from her face how
deeply his words had vexed her.
When once more the moon asserted
herself and shone forth with redoubled
brilliancy, Denzil gazed only on a
calm statuesque figure and naughty
unmoved features that gave no index
to the heart beneath. She seemed a
beautiful being, a piece Of natures
most perfect workout being hard.
unsympathetic. incapable OF any di-
vine feeling.
He gazed at her in silence. wondering
how SO fair a creature could be SO de-
void OF all tender characteristics, and.
as he gazed. mans step sounded
lightly on the gravel beneath them. As
expression changed. her face was lit
up with sudden animation. and took
an eager expectant look that rendered
her ten times more lovely than he had
ever seen her. She moved lightly to the
top OF the stone steps that led to the
grounds. and watched with pretty i'm
patience until a gray-colored figure
emerged from the darkness. and, see
ing her took her gladly in his arms
"Charlie!" she said. rapturously.
and. when he had half pushed her from
his embrace. she put up her hands and
smoothed back his sunny brown hair
from his forehead, and kissed him
three times fondly: after which she
suddenly recollected Denzil's presence.
and, drawing back. pushed Charlie
gently toward him.
ITO be Continued.)