The St. Johns herald., 1901-02-23

An expression, half of amusement came into Bainbridge's face, as he caught the strange nght in her eyes, but he made no answer. and, in spite of the girls indifferent shrug, look of annoyance crossed her face.
 A breath of wind, heavy with the fragrance of summer, futtered the ribbons of her soft gown, as she turned to him, her eyes black with sudden emotion.
 You took her to the hop-did you not2"
 ''It was by the merest chance" he answered with gesture that seemed to indicate: "What else was to do?"
 There was silence for little Then he looked up suddenly, and said:
 "I was surprised not to see you there"
 Dorothy said nothing, but shaded her eyes from the sun with one small hand and gazed idly at a climbing rose at the other end of the veranda.
 He had not asked her to go, and a sort of silly pride forbade her to let him know that no one else had.
 'I meant to come here," Bainbridge began, after a pause, ito tell you everything. I thought perhaps,' he went on slowly, that you would not mind-so much. But I heard-some one told me, that you would be at the dance with Eggerton. That is the rea- son.
 The girls heart began to beat, and look of surprise swept the latest re- sentiment from her face.
 Something in the mans tone, in the earnestness of his manner, forced his sincerity upon her, and she half relented.
 But the die was cast, and there was no going back now. She caught her breath, and the wave of tenderness that overwhelmed her for a minute was quickly crushed down.
 Dorothy drew a deep breath. There was pause. Presently she spoke.
 ''No one asked me to go to the hop" she said, determined to let him know everything now. '"I knew you were there with her, and I thought, of course, you didn't care about me-"
 Her heart was throbbing painfully, as she went on, unsteadily: And now since am going to marry some one else I don't see the use of talking any more about it."
 q suppose not" Bainbridge re- turned, coldly, reaching for his hat. Good by"
 The careless tone made her heart sink. She could not let him go like that.
 "Harry!"
 He turned back.
 Cant we be friends?"
 He gazed at her fxedly for a mo- ment and an ominous cloud gathered on his brow.
 "No, think not"
 A glimmer of disappointment passed over the girls face.
 Do you mean" she asked, locking her hands tightly over each other, while look of hurt surprise appeared on her face, "that we are to be stran- gers?"
 "I mean," he answered, slowly, in voice in which pain mingled with pas sion, ''that it will be everything, or nothing. I shall always love you, and Icannot pretend to friendship which do not feel"
 He paused for an instant and looked straight into the girls eyes. "It is better" he said, calmly, ito be an enemy than hypocrte.'
 Something in his voice awed her into silence. The sun had begun to set and great patches of gold fell on the mans face, now white and deter mined-a face that brooked no com- promise.
 Suddenly he came close to her and, stopping, pressed his lips to her white forehead
 She shot quick glance into his eyes and the warm color died her face scarlet.
 Ut is for the last time," he said, tremulously, and was gone.
 There were tears in the girls eyes the white lids quivered, and her lips trembled. Broken down by the vio- lence of her emotions, she turned and hurried into the room, to be alone with her misery.
 In a sort of desperation she threw a glance toward the table
 The letter! It had not been postedi Her breath came in quick, sharp gasps.
 In the moment that followed, she realized everything and did not hesi- tate.
 The next instant she was back on the veranda, a deeper color in her cheeks, and radiant light in her eyes.
 She cast one sweeping glance at the retreating figure. Bainbridge was al- most at the gate, and not 50 feet away, coming directly toward him, handsome and smiling, Adelaide Hunt
 "Harry!" Dorothy's voice was clear and firm, and there was a new thrill in it.
 He turned, a little coldly, and looked back inquiringly.
 You have forgotten something" He paused for a second, then, under the potent spell of her voice, retraced his steps and followed her into the library.
 She went straight up to the table and indicated by gesture the blue tinted envelope lying there, while the soft color stole into her cheeks.
 "Harry!-"
 She placed one hand tremulously on his arm, and the eyes lifted to his were full of meaning
 Il might tear it up, you know" .,n -. ....nr,. 4l, z, ,olI;rio,,