Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-07-03
GnNTnk A Love Story of Alden.
(By Emily S. Windsor

IL (By Emily s. Windsor) ::
ssssssssssssssssssss sss..ssss.ssssssss
Although the little village Of AID
en- was beginning to look bright with
the green of early spring, down here
by the cove all was gray sands, rocks.
sky. even the water had the same
dreary tint. Not CLEAN Of other col
or. except that Of the crimson shawl.
which the girl, sitting on the ledge Of
rock, had wrapped around her.
Laurence Dare, coming along the
road which ran along above the beach.
saw the patch Of red and paused.
THAT Is Monica" he muttered.
He stood still a few minutes, watch
Ing the slender figure leaning back
against a high range Of rocks, the
shawl drawn closely around her shoul-
ders, the little black hat pushed back
on the dark hair, her gaze fixed on
the gray water. At sight Of her Dare's
heart had given great throb Of Joy.
1t was SO long, SO long since he had
seen her. He made a few long strides
and stood beside her.
Monica" he said, softly.
The girl turned her head with 4
quick movement
"Oh, Laurence"
There was a displeased tone In her
voice, and her brows came together
In frown as she regarded him. He
put out his hand.
Are you not going to shake hands
with me, Monica; 1t is so long since
| have seen yoi?"
The girl gave him her hand with a
reluctant air, withdrawing 1t quickly
from his warm clasp, and turning her
face again seward
After silence Of some moments,
which Dare spent in devouring eagerly
with his eyes every line Of her lovely
profile, he began:
Monica, you are cruel you have
not let me see you once all this long
winter. | have been down from the
city so often, and tried again and
again to see you, but each time that
| called you had just gone out feel
sure that you saw me and went away
purposely. Last night 1t was the same
thing. But chance has been good TO
me; missed my train this morning.
and 80 have caught you; you had no
opportunity to avoid me"
The girl made no answer.
He went on: Last summer you gave
me faint hope that in time you
would listen to me. What have you
to say to me now; have you mot
thought Of me all these long months"
She turned around to him, her eyes
full OF tears.
Il was wrong to let you think y0n
might hope, Laurence, for | cant do
as you wish. Don't you understand
II seems wrong for me to listen to you.
Think. | belong to Allen; was to
have been bis wife. He was always
talking OF Cousin Laurence; you SEEM
ed Cousin Laurence to me, too. Don't
you see? | belong to Allen: cant |
marry you"
but Allen Is not"
She Interrupted him quickly:
Hush; we don't know; he must he
living"
Monica" he said, with great
gentleness Of voice, think, 1t Is four
years; he was to have returned In ten
months"
II must be faithful to him."
Dare flushed, This Is nonsense.
Monica" ne said, half ansrily. III A.
en- Is living" he went on, why have
We not heard from him all these
'ears? Are you going to waste your
lie In this little village and give up
III chances Of happiness for a fanci-
ul idea o. being bound to him? And
link Of me, | have loved you 80 long.
,ome to me | shall love you so mucn
Lat you must love me In return; come
swear that you shall never regret 1t,
donica."
Il can't Laurence"
viii you spoil both our lives?"
Il must not listen, Laurence. III
'ish that you did not care for me-"
Il can't help caring for you. l think
have loved you since the first day |
aw you. and now that you arc
roe"
Il am not Free"
Monica, listen"
She stood up. Il must NOT, Laur-
nee. Try to forget me. I am going
ONE; do not come"
And before he could stop her she
ID darted away.