Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-03-21

pdIHGLlC lICLlG euOTlS tO COuCGdl ucF watchfulness.
 At last meeting came about in this way: Next to the kings bedchamber was a luxuriously furnished little apartment with we'll selected library. Here Brandon and often went after moons to read, as we were sure to be undisturbed.
 Late one day Brandon had gone over to this quiet retreat and, having select ed volume, took his place in seclud ed little alcovel half hidden in arras draperies. There was cushioned seat along the wall and a small diamond shaped window to furnish light.
 He had not been there long when in came Mary. I cannot say whether she knew Brandon was there or not, but she was there and he was there, which is the only thing to the point; and, find ing him, she stepped into the alcove be- fore he was aware of her presence. Brandon was on his feet in an in- stant and with low bow was back ing himself out most deferentially to leave her in sole possession, if she wished to rest.
 Master Brandon, you need not go. I will not hurt you. Besides, if this place is not large enough for us both; I will go. I would not disturb you" She spoke with tremulous voice and Q quick, uneasy glance, and started to move backward out of the alcoye.
 Lady Mary, how can you speak SO? You know-you must know-oh, beg you''- But she interrupted him by taking his arm and drawing him to a seat beside her on the cushion. She could have drawn down the Colossus of Rhodes with the look she gave Bran don, so full was it of command, en- treaty and promise.
 ''That's it. don't know, but want to know, and I want you to sit here be- side me and tell me. I am going to be reconciled with you despite the way you treated me when last we met. I am going to be friends with you wheth- CT you will or not. Now what do you say to that, sir?" She spoke with a futtering little laugh of uneasy non- assurance, which showed that her heart was not nearly so confident nor so bold as her words would make be- lieve. Poor Brandon, usually so ready, had nothing "to say to that" but sat in helpless silence.
 Was this the sum total of all his wise determinations made at the cost of so much pain and effort? Was this the answer to all his prayer, Lead me not into temptation" He had done his part, for he had done all he could. Heaven had not helped him, since here was temptation thrust upon him when least expected and when the way was so narrow he could not escape, but must meet 1t face to face.
 Mary soon recovered her self posses sion-women are better skilled in this art than men-and continued:
 T am not intending to say one word about your treatment of me that day over in the forest, although it was very bad and you have acted abominably ever since. Now is not that kind in meY And she softly laugheS- as she peeped up at the poor fellow from be- heath those sweeping lashes, with the premeditated purpose of tantalizing him, suppose. She was beginning to know her power over him, and it was never greater than at this moment. Her beauty had its sweetest quality, for the princess was sunk and the woman was dominant, with flushed face and flashing eyes that caught a double luster from the glowing love that made her heart beat so fast.
 With the mood that was upon her I wonder Brandon maintained his self restraint even for moment. He felt that his only hope lay in silence, so he sat beside her and said nothing. He told me long aftErward that while sit ting there in the intervals between her speech, the oldest, widest thoughts ran through his brain. He wondered how he could escape. He thought of the window and that possibly he might break away through it, and then he thought of feigning illness, and hun dred other absurd schemes, but they all came to nothing, and he sat there to let events take their own course, as they seemed determined to do in spite of him.
 After a short silence Mary continued half banteringly: Answer me, sir! I will have no more of this. You shall treat me at least with the courtesy you would show a bourgeoise girl"
 "Oh, that you were only burgher's daughterr
 ''Yes, know all that; but am not. It can't be helped, and you shall an- swer me-"
 "There is no answer, dear lady. I beg you-oh, do you not see''-
 ''Yes, yes; but answer my question. Am I not kind, more than you de- servew
 Indeed, yes; a thousand times. You have always been so kind, so gracious and so condescending to me that can only thank you, thank you, thank you," answered Brandon almost shyly, not daring to lift his eyes to hers.
 Mary saw the manner quickly enough what woman ever missed it, much less so keen eyed girl as she-and it gave her confidence and brought back the easy banter of her old time man. ner.
 "How modest we have become! Where is the boldness of which we used to have so much? Kind? Have