The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-01

to amass mel before his eyes. IN the
opinion of tie world he was ruined
man, everyth ,ng-saye hoaoF-gone.
There was nothing to do but TO begin
again. This he preferred to undertake
in another city. He settled his affairs
as best he could and prepared to leave
town He had some money. left him BY
his mother. and be intended TO travel a
little before he decided where>to locate
and again begin tie battle Of life.
He postponed his good-by to ma'moi-
sei1e until the last He had not seen
her since that day VIII he now felt. he
had presumed-when he had touehsd
upon wound wksre he supposed there
was nothing but eallousness.
She came down IN clinging gown Of
Palest heIiorope. and nestled back
among the cushions at one end of the
couch. She said that she had not been
feeling we'll; that she was developing
nerves And she played with little
gold smelling bottle, holding il occa-
sionaIly to her nostrils. It was one Of
her airs, she told him: she had never
been known to faint in her life. but sim
ply liked the smell OF it. Then Tiers
was q little pause. IN which he felt con-
scious and constrained. yet could not
tell why.
I am going away. ma'molseiIe." he
said at last, looking away from her. and
I could not bear to go without apologize
ing-without telling you how sorry
am-you understand-sor what I said last
time"
Yes" she replied. smiling; 81 IN
derstand. It was quite tragic. wasn't it?
You viii let US hear from you-mother
and me? We shall be anxious to know
what you are doing"
It was plain that she did not wish to
talk of that last conversation, and hs
became more uneasy than ever. He had
wanted to say so much about his repent
ance, but felt that he had been cut OF.
He sat and gazed quite stupidity at her
hands as they played with the Yinai-
grette. wondering what made them look
so different They were as white as ever.
the nails were as carefully manlcured.
But-they did not seem ike the hands Of
ma 'moiseIIe.
He had it at last. The fingers did not
wear a ring; and he had never seen her
without rings before.
your hands look strange. ma'moi-
sene," he said. Your riugs-part OF you.
you know-where are they2"
wave of color rose. dyeing her
throat and face It filed him with
He sprang to his feet, a
sudden thought Selling him. Thrusting
his hand into his pocket. he drew out
draft. signed by the cashier Of well
xeIl-known bank, but sent to him
He had not had time to
trace it, and did not intend to use it.
but believed that some business friend.
wishing to help him. had sent it. He
sazed nos with horror from the slip OF
paper to the little, ringless hands o:
ma 'noiseIe. then into the eyes that no
longer met his. but dropped guilty..
Ma moiseIIel" he said sternly.
The small hands went up to the face,
covering the hot cheeks
'moiselle,'' he repeated, less Sc
7erely. but with reproach in his tones
Still there was no reply. but the pill
ows shook. and he knew that she was
.rying. The next time that he said
Ma 'moiseIIe," it was from his knees
beside her, where he gently took the lit
lie palms from her face and looked into
Ter eyes. with the lashes all wet Then
le dropped his head on the unadorned
myers and kissed them reverently, az
me kisses the hands Of a saint
When he lifted his head again to take
ler in his arms. something glistened
N the hand of ma'moiselIe, but it was
lot q diamond.