Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1902-08-02

servant-but JUS a steer-driver, tam
ve'y elegint."
They moved off into the gloom. When
their voices were lost, Darlington struck
a match and looked at his match. half
past nine; she's not coming he NUT
tered.
AS he walked sway into the bushes
where his horse was tied, he heard hght
footsteps on the road and saw the gllm-
mer of a white dress. For full half
ute Hugh debated whether to go or stay.
It was past the appointed time. He had
kept the engagement. Why entangle him-
self further? II have been a fool" he
thought. "By luck and the generals
jealousy I can get out now. It's quite
the honorable thing to do, and she has
preached me sermon on honor. We
shall both have sentimental regrets and
can mingle our tears at the bitterness of
life. What might have been is such
safe bond of attachment"
But he was to keep the engagement,
after all; his horse raised his head and
neighed cheerfully.
"How good of you to watt" she said,
as he came to her.
They sat down on bench by the little
warehouse, after he had made a careful
reconnaissance Of the approaches to the
wharf.
''Was it not dangerous to meet me
here? Won't you be missed, Fair"
ooh, no; am in bed with a violent
headache, and my door locked"
"But suppose the general comes to your
room to inquire? Husbands do that sort
of thing, don't theyY'
She shook her head indifferently. 81
T
never trouble myself to answer if don't
wish to. What did my husband say t0
youW
Hpgh told her briefly.
"What are we to do?' she questioned,
turning towards him.
The late-rising moon sent a CLEAN of
light down the river. The little waves
danced in the shining moon-glade, and the
face of Fairfax was family illumined.
There was no look of Indifference there
now, and she showed in the dim light
with even more than her usual beauty.
Her bare shoulders and neck cleaned
through the lace shawl. Did she realize
how beautiful she looked in evening
dress? Was it a studied plan to keep
him, or mere feminine vanity? What
ever it was, the effect on Darlington was
honorable retreat, his growing fancy and
admiration for the girl eighteen miles
farther up the river, had no place in his
mind now. The warm night, the pur-
ring Of the water under the wharf, the
half-light Of the rising moon, and this
woman with her radiant beauty, so close
to him, held his senses throbbing in an
ecstasy of complete surrender. Had he
NO OF %
could have had it.
She must have seen it in the express
sion of his face, for she said, Il fear
cannot read you a moral lesson tonight,
Hugh"
Three times he had fought back wild
desire to crush her in his arms and kiss
her until breath failed. Dear" he
whispered, sis this fair? How do you
expect me to remember what you told
me, with my veins on fireW
Don't bother to remember" she said,
smiling up into his face, 'for l have ~
gotten"
Still somewhere deep in Hugh's curious
makeup there was stubborn force that
held him back He raised her hand with
its shining jewels and kissed it over and
over again.
what shall we do?' she said, softly.
81 mean for the present"
"And the futureY
"No, let the future take care Of itself.
You must see to the future, my dear, in
some way. I honestly do not care how.
One thing is certain: [ will not give you
up. If you think best that we go to-
night, 1 will CO. leave it to YOU 1t
is not your fault, dear. / have made my
choice. You never need fear a word of
reproach from me, or a backward
glance"
They talked a long time, her hand in
his, Of the present. The future they left
to the future. The present only was
theirs. The moon rose higher, and Hugh
saw it was time for her to return.
MAY I kiss you once, Fair" Hugh
asked, gently. "You know l never have.
Do you mind?"
She shook her head to the last question
and he put his arm around her and tried
to kiss her cheek, fearful lest he brighten
her. But his lips sought hers, and he
drew her to him, and his kisses rained
on her lips until he feared his own vio-
lence.
She rose to go, trembling a little. Hugh
saw it and was troubled. Forgive me-
DEAR" he said, his blood racing through
his veins. He was moved beyond the
cool, calculating strata which he had
thought at the bottom of his character.
She turned to go, but faced him again,
her face shining, her eyes bright ~
should feel guilty if I had anything to
forgive. Would you mind saying good
night as we always have?"
He bowed as he took her outstretched
hand and felt the pressure of her warm
fingers.
Good night, Fair" he said
Goodnight, Hugh. 1 will write YOU
| in the morning"
Go be continued)