The Minneapolis journal., 1902-07-14
HIS REASON WHY
By JESSIE WADE MANNING

wet, pink cheek. Il peculiar tender smile
played about the firm mouth Of the young
man as he learned, in spite of all eontradic-
tons, that Gertrude Travers had heart.
All the long summer he had hopelessly
striven to find 1t, but was obliged to be con-
tent with friendship.
Mrs. Travers glanced doubtfully at her
| companion, but he appeared unconscious of
her emotion. Even then she would not ack-
nowledge to herself how dear to her heart,
IN spite OF the depressing weather, was the
walk alone with him Their disappointn,ent
over the ruins Of the castle of the Countess
| Jacqueline, which Meredith had come to
| sketch, did not still the pleasure of being
| together.
"As the old chateau has deteriorated into
hostelry, the question is whether to in
wade or evade, said the artist thoughtfully.
t'Well,'' said Mrs Travers impatiently. a
few moments later, as she held the umbrella
| in partly sheltered spot, why don't you
| sketch?' ~
Because answered Meredith, looking
quizzically into the dark eyes, 'I've dreamed
a dream and
why spoil to-day for an unknown to-
| morrow" interrupted Mrs. Travers quickly.
| No longer can I trace a line continued
the artist, taking no notice of the Interrupt
| ton, without seeing small bright face
and hearing a voice whisper
| That marriage is failure broke in the
lady who would forfeit $4,000, according to
her late husbands will, the day she married.
| Il cannot keep my thoughts where she 10
not, waking or sleeping .'r~
| Don't think 1t is a pernicious habit But
tell me, who was Jaccueline?''
''The Countess of Bavaria And may you,
! unkind fairy be inbued with her spirit"
said Meredith curtly, opening his sketchbook
! "a spirit for what?" she inquired, her cA-
'riosity aroused. zz#
| Marrying he replied solemniy, sharpen.
ing his pencil on piece of sandpaper.
How many times did her ladysh4p wear
the marriage yoke?" = III ~'.'.. ,r''
''Three times for state reasons and once for
| love, but - - --.-. -i-.
| (which caused her the greatest turnnoil9.
| interposed Mrs. Travers ironically =
cit was Francis Van Borselen's untring
devotion and deep affection for the beautiful
princess that won her love and esteem" said
Meredith, apparently unaware of the last re-
mark and sketching with a. vengeance
| WAS there no monetary considerations p
| asked the worldly widow, with a suspicion Of
| a twinkle in her eye. -5I-e rs
| eyes," he answered bitterly, 'but there are
| no Jacquelines to-day. She abdicated and re-
nounced all rights and estates for the man
| she loved" .:. .E
,"And she was not adiudged lunaticI" in
quired the lady anxiousIy. .. e.. --s-e-s = x
| At that moment the chimes in the old CATH
edraI of Mary Magdalene pealed the hour.
Meredith did not deign to answer; but, gath
ering up his paraphernalia,- he said in a hurt
| voice: - - $685. - 3 - - s-.~5-
ave have ten minutes to catch the train
A short silence followed; then Mrs. Trasers
said softly looking the artist over critically:
81 believe there are still some foolish women
who would do that for the men they love"
'fWould you?'' Meredith's breath came
quick and fast His lips touched her hair
!, as he bent to hear her reply. :
"Well, yes" coyly answered the lady VINO
had fought bravely for many months to keep
her legacy, ''but only for man like you "
=, The next instant one little hand was held
fast in his, and under the umbrella he kissed
the lips so near his own.
| AS they hurried through the deserted streets
J Meredith looked into the now thoughtful faee
and said tenderly, "You are not sorry that
you came to tie little Goose City p
mo; but considering my dear experience.
think it appropriately named" replied Mrs.
Travers mischieVously. -.
h That evening Meredsths sister said IN tones
Il of disgust while looking over his sketchbookE
/ Robert, will you tell me- why you brought
!, back a sketch of the chateau Of Jaequeline?'
| ''Tho reason why replied her brother,
, smiling and looking at Mrs TraEers, was
! desire to have fac-simile OF the spot where
ell brought $4,000 ..--