The Red Cloud chief., 1901-06-28

"oi rear oI MS next words, and trying
passionately to withdraw her hands.
Yes. you did," exclaimed Denzil.
excitedly; II know It now. Il was NOT
fancy-how could I ever think it was?
1t was reality. Oh, Mildred, you
kissed me-"
How dare you?" cried Miss Trevan-
ION bursting into tears. you know I
ola not; 1t is u%ntrue-a fevered dream
anything but the truth"
DO you say that" he said. r~eleas-
ing her. OF course, then, 1t was mere
imagination. Forgive me; I should nor
nave said 1t, but the remembrance or
IL haunts me night and day. This
room, too, fosters all memories. Here
FOR the first time I told you how I loved
you; and here, too, you refused me.
letting me see how wild and unfounded
mad been my hope that you also loved
me In return. Do you remember"
Yes. yes, I remember" Mildred
answered, family, turning her face
away.
there"-pointing to a distant
couch-"we met again, after weeks OF
separation and oblivion-since YOU saw
mat past thought of mine was but \
dream-and l felt when you entered
the room how undying a thing is love.
you see this place is fraught with pain
10 me. and yet | like 1t. | like to ST
mere and think, and picture to myself
o old scenes again. only giyina
them a kindlier ending"
DO you still care to recall them?'
she asked In a low, broken voice.
Il shall always care to recall any.
thing connected with YOU" he answer.
ed. simply; then-"Did I ever thanp
you. Mildred, for coming to my assist
ance on that last hunting day? I think
o l v no recollection of all that
occurred, but they told me how good
to me you were"
1T was the very commonest human
ity," she said.
y course that was all. You would
nave done the same for anyone. I
know that. Still am grateful to you"
suddenly, why did you break
on with Lyndon"
You have asked me that question
BEFORE" she said.
II know I have, and I know also how
a question 1t is to ask; and still I
help wishing to learn the an
Will you tell me?"
She hesitated and then said, slowly:
II discovered. or fancied, that
did not care sufficiently for him; and
was too honorable to marry a wom-
who did not accept him willingly
Of her own accord"
"When did he make that discovery"
I'VE ended our engagement the even
OF your accident" she answered.
e~vasively, and with evident reluctance,
Mildred. II l thought" he began,
p~assionately, trying to read her face,
III dared to believe what your words
appear to imply l might be mad
enough again to say to you words that
nave ever fallen coldly on your ear.
would again confess how fondly | love
you-how faithfully during all these
.retched months l have chung to the
sweet memories of you that ever linger
n my heart"
She shrunk away a little and covered
Ter face with her hands.
ID you still turn from me, Mildredo
distressing you? Darling. | will
say no more. 1t Is indeed for the last
line In all my life that | have now
Forgive me. Mildred; I am
ess than a man to pain you in this
way; but, oh, my dearest, do not
shrink from me, whatever you do; do
lot let me think ! have taught you to
iate me by my persistence. See, / am
,oing, and for the future do not be
lfraid that shall ever again allude to
his subject" He drew near her and
GENTLY kissed her hair. "Good-by," he
aid. once more, and then, slowly al
most feebly. walked down the room
oward the door.
Miss Trevanion stood gazing after
lin, her blue eyes large and bright
With fear: she had an intense longing
o say she knew not what. Oh, for
words to express all that was in her
leart!
Her hands were closely clasped to-
her lips, pale and still, refused
o move. 1t was the last time-he had
aid SO; II she let him go now it was
parting that must be forever; and
ct she could not speak. Her love, her
lie was going, and she could O utter
he word that would recall him. AL
eady he had turned the handle Of the
cor; the last moment had indeed come
would he not turn?
"Denzil!" she cried, desperately,
reaking down by n passionate effort
barrier that had stood so long be-
them, and held out her hands to
i'm.
my love!" he said, turning. And
hen in another moment she was in his
rms and all the world was forgotten.
(The End.)