The Washington times., 1902-10-19

OF creation
Il mention the date that you ma,
not forget it. Because / am going tt
give you something today"
My heart leaped like conqueror's
Her skin was as fresh as the roses
looking marvellous to touch. The shocl
of imminent discovery went through me
For how can a man consider a woman
forever as picture? A picture she was
in the short-waisted gown of the En-
Tire, of that white stuff Eapoleo-
praised because it was manufactured Ii
France. 1t showed the line Of hei
throat. being parted half way down ths
BOSOM by ruff which encircled her nect
and stood high behind it. The trans.
parent sleeves slung to her arms, an,
the slight outline of her figure lookef
lcng in its close casing.
The gown tail curled around her slip
pered foot damp from the plunge in the
garden. She gave it little kick, anf
rippled again suddenly throughout he.
length.
Then her face went grave, like 4
child's when it is surprised in wicked
ness.
"But our fathers and mothers would
fave US forget their suffering in the
festival of their coming home, wouldn
they, Lazarre?"
Surely. Eagle
"Tben why are you looking at me with
reproach?''
1 I'm not"
| Perhaps you don't like my dress?"
/ / told her 1t was the first time had
ever noticed anything she wore, and !
liked it. 11 =7ai' -.Ri2
Il used to wear my mothers clothes
Ernestine and l made them over. But
this is new; for the new day, and the
new life here
And the day." reminded her. "is
the first of September.
She laughed and opened her left hand.
showing me two squat keys so small thar
both had lain concealed under two of her
finger tips. 't' - ,'''yo9-1
81 am going to give you key. sire"
will it unlock woman's mind?"
TT will open a padlocked book. Last
right l found little blank-lenved book.
with wooden covers. 1t was fastened by
paddock, and these keys were tied 10
it. You may have one key; / will keep
| the other"
"The key to a padlocked book with
nothing in it isF ..7+'
Her eyes tantalized me.
to
Sophie Saint Michel said l had gift
for putting down my thoughts. II the
gift appeared to Sophie when 1 was a
child. it must grow in me by use. Every
day shall put some of my life into the
took. And when / die 1 will bequeath
it to you.'
Take back YOUR key, madame. u have
no desire 10 look into your coffin"
She extended her hand.
Then our good and kind friend Count
de Chaumont shall have it.
He shall not,''
l held TO her hand and kept my key.
She slipped away from me- The laugh
ter of the child yet rose through the
dignity of the woman.
When may l read this book. Eagle?"
Never, of my free will, sire. How
could set down all l thought abou- you,
for instance, IL the certainty was hang
ing over me that you would read my can
did opinions and punish me for them"
Then of what use is the key?'
You would rather have it than give
Decidedly
well, you will have the key TO nv
thoughts!''
And If the book ever falls into my
hands"
81 will see that It doesn't!''
II will say. years from now
"Twenty?"
Twenty? o Eaglei"
Ten"
Months? That's too long,"
mo, ten years, sire"
Not ten years, Eagle. Say eight"
mo, nine
Seven. If the book falls irto my
hands at the end of seven years, may I
open IL
Il may safely promise you that" she |
laughed. The book will never fall into |
your hands"
/ took from my pocket the gold snuff |
box with the portraits on the lid. and |
placed my key carefully therein. Eagle |
leaned forward to look At them She |
took the box in her hand, and sazed |
with long reverence, dropping her head |
Young as / was. and unskilled in the |
ways of women, that, key worked magic
comfort. She had given me a link 10
hold US together The inconsistent. con-
being. old one instant with
he wisdom oGthe Saint Michels, ripping
full of unrestrained life the next, deny
ing me all hope. yet indefinitely tanta-
izing. was adorable beyond words.
closed my eyes; the binding sunshine
struck them through the ivied arch.
Turning my head as l opened them. / |
saw an old man come out on the ter
-ace.
He tried to search in every direction.
lis gray head and faded eyes moving
,nxiously. Madame de Ferrier was still
heard her lay the snuffbox on the
stone seat. l knew. though ! could not
ct myself watch her. that she stood IN