The evening Republican., 1902-09-08
By JESSIE WADE MANNI NC.

diversion replied Meredith, who
saw her eyes belied her words.
Don't You recollect the conductor
calling the town 'GooseT
Then the feet of the natives
must be webbed," decided Mrs.
Travers, smiling at the thought
''Don't be tlippaut my dear. The
goose ia a historical bird AS chill
dren our curIs have a Strengthened
and our eyes protruded as we learn.
cd how they saved Rome. ~
"Yes. but in after years. when
shorn Of our ripslets, not many OF
our swans have been geese. with a
sigh.
sit would be preferable to be
gander than not to have been ut all, "
declared Meredith. looking into the
small, plquant face.
"Perhaps, but would you be so
delicate after roasting? asked the
lady laugh'ngly, holding up warn
ing figure.
The artist was very happy that tina
others in their party had refused to
visit the little town of Cues pronounc
ed Goose. 1t meant long day with
Mrs. Travers, whom he had found to
be an unusual critic. iIe also enjoy
ed the Infectious comaraderie.
While trudging in the heavy mist
through the quiet, quaint Old streets
crossing old little swing bridges
over miniature canals, Meredith felt
the small hand on his arm tremble,
and drops not all rain fell on the
wet pink G, EEK. \ A peculiar, tender
smile played about the firm mouth
of the man as he learned, in spite of
all contradictions, that Gertrude
Travers had Il heart.
All the long summer he had hope
lessly striven to find it, but was
obliged to he content with friend
ship.
Mrs. Travers glanc cd doubtly at
her companion, but he appeared un
conscious sof her emotion. Even
then She would not acknowledge to
herself how dear to her dear heart,
in spite of the depressing weat her,
was the walk alone with him.
Their disappointment over the
ruins OF the castle Of the Countess
JacqueIlne. which Meredith had
come 10 sketch. did not still the
pleasure Of being together.
las the cid chateau has deterio-
rated into u hostelry, the question
is whether TO invade or evade,
said the artist thoughtfully.
"Well, said Mrs. Travers i'm
| patiently 4 few moments later as
she held the umbrslla in u partly
! sheltered spot. Why don't you
| SketchE'
"Because,' answered Meredith,
looking quizzicaliy into the dark
eyes, :'lve dreamed il dream. ard
why spoil to-day for an unknown
to-morrow?' interrupted Mrs.
! Trayers quickIy.
"No longer can | trace Z line, con-
tmued the artist, taking no no!icc of
the interruption, without seeing a
small bright face and hearing Il voice
Whisper
"rhat marriage is a failure, broke
in the lady who would forfeit $50. 900
according to her late husbands will,
! the day she married.
~ cannot keep my thoughts where
she is not. walking or sleeplng"-
"IIon'l think. 1t is n pernclGlls
habit. But, tell me, vino WIS JAG
Quelne?'
'l'he Countess of Bavaria. And
may you. unkinL fairy. be imbued
with spirit. said Meredith curtly,
opening his SkCtchbook.
"a spirit for WHAT She inquired,
her curiosity aroused.
"Marryiny,' he replied solcmlIy.
sharpening his pencil on u pl,c. Of
sandpHper-
'iIow many times did her lad yship
wear the marriage vOkcN'
"Three times for atate re asons
and once for love, but
(which caused her the greatest
turmoil?' iulerpO,ei Ms. Travers
ironically.
III was Francis Van Boriclen )
unLiring devotion and deep affection
for the beautiful princess that won
her love and esteem, said Meredith,
apparently unaware Of the last re-
mark and skeJcling with u ven.
geauce.
WAS there no monetary consid-
eratlon?' asked The worldly widow,
with a suspicion Of i twinkle in her
eye,
YES" he ans wered bitterly, 'but
there are no JacqVeines to-day. She
abdicaled aud renowned all rights
and estates for .he man she loved?"
"And sshe was no: adjulged u
lunatic!' inquired The lady auxlous.
ly.
At that moment the chimes in
the, old cathedral of Mary Maydalen
pealed the hour Meredith did not
deign toanswer; but, gathering up
his parapherhalia he said in hurt
voice: .. ,,,.
'We have ten minutes te catch
the train. ',...,.,.
A short silence lfollowel; then
Mrs. Travers said softly, looking
the artist over critically. Il believe
there are still some foolish women
who would do that for the man
they love-
Would you!' Meredith's breath
came quick AMI fast. His lips
touched her lair as she be Mt to
hear her reply. aa.a
We'll, yes" .coyly answered the
lady who had fought brlvely for
many months to keep her legacy,
"but only for asman like yon.n
The next instant one little hand
was held fast in his and under the
| nm lralla Ia kicaad thx, la,a 81, ,,an =.