The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-23

Dudley's shoulders fell the whole burden.
his sole reward being the frequent business
consultations he managed to arrange with
his client He guided her innocent footsteps
through the trying processes of the print
ing: he gave her editorial instructions when
the proof came in: and altogether the inter-
course was of such IA frank and friendly ma
ture that Dudley began to look ahead and
build castles.
OF course Miss Henrietta never appeared
at these conferences, though Beatrice care
fully repeated every detail which bore upon
The impending publication there were other
details which she carefully avoided, but
a reader of the heart, whose thoughts on
such matters were to meet the eyes of the
world, could not be freceived, and the good
lady reioiced that she should be the means
of cementing something more than a bond
of friendship between taese two.
OF course they met in society, where by q
tacit understanding the book was never
mentioned. but there were delicious off
hours. between sunset and dinner. when a
word or two ir'HBeatrice'S dainty sitting
room seemed absolutely necessary. and he
would lean back in a certain delightful arm
chair. beside a picturesque log fire. watch
ing the graceful figure as it lowered round
the tea table, and with a cup of her we'll
brewed tea in his hand. and his eyes upon
her charming face. SO full Of life and color,
1t was easy enough to discourse of pre-
cesses" and copy" and proofs" and
plates and other technical terms, mean
Ing, I love you,' until conscience would
occasionally rouse him to sense of other
oohsatiohs, and ne would remember din
ner engagement in the nick OF time
AT last came the day when the little hook
was launched. 1t was u "red-letter" day
Tor Miss Henrietta. and Beatrice was quite
as excited. And Dudley was even more ex-
cited at the girls innocent pleasure.
you have made mo very happy" sho
sand. at the close OF that special day, when
he had dropped in to see how sine was
bearing up"-that being his sole excuse
And your friend?'' he asked, thinking
that now. II ever, was the time for confess
sion.
Beatrice flushed and dropped her eyes.
The secret was still Miss Henrietta's. who
had decided that, like George. Eliot, her
real name should be unknown until an ap-
preciative public claUlored for her to reveal
her identity.
"oh-my FRIEND" murmured Beatrice, "shs
-she-it is great pleasure to give happi-
ness to others. isn't itY' She broke NofS
enigmatically as she placed his tea near him
In a tiny tabouret.
Yes" he replied. laconically, for he had
fondiy expected her confidence.
She detected the disappointment in his
tone. and. coming little nearer. tapped
him gently on the shoulder with the sugar
tongs.
You know that feelins-you can appreci-
ate it, she said softly. Take some sugar"
But he took the tongs instead. and, with
a sudden movement drew them and the
hand that held them close to his lips-and
the deed was done; the next moment he
found himself in sole possession OF the
tongs. while Beatrice stood above him. pale
and indignant
For a moment there was silence. then-'r
didn't think you would do such thing, Mr..
Dudley"
Neither did I. never was mors sur
prised in my life 1t was positively an In
SEPARATION. only WISH" regretfully, that
it had been two hands instead Of one. for
love you, Beatrice" He did not move
moment, but his eyes held her where she
stood.
"You need not have told me this to-day"
land why not"
Tit looks as II you-you expected some
/ She broke of I'm confusion.
He leaned forward and boldly possessed
] himself of both her hands
ward, and claim It shamelessiy." sun
| big chair and stood now towering above her
| lovemaking = the head OF the vanquished
I of the victor. and the result il inevitable.
ments this romance Of life was q song
without words.
II can't. wait Tong for my happinesa" hs
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