The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-08-06

degree. Come only into the billiard hall.
ard listen to what l have to say to my
fiance.''
She arose and moved toward the cor
ridoT, from the farther end of which
toated the sound of masculine voices
and laughter. The three gentlemen were
playing at a table near where a great
arched door led out upon circular ball
cony. The balcony was supported by a
series of Corinthian pillars, whose base
lay within 20 feet Of the bay.
The water shimmered in the moon
light, and the billiard players, whenever
they glanced toward the door. saw the
magnificent panorama beyond the bal
enchanted castle, and a glory of moon
light blessed the chapel erected to King
Henrys memory.
The entrance of Enid caused a sud
den pause in the game. Her face be-
trayed some emotion, and the expression
source. The latter threw a swiftly in
applicable glance toward the colonel.
and then her eyes became TRANQUILITY
attentive-quite the eyes OF a disin-
terested observer.
Papa" said Enid, addressing her
father, but looking straight at her fu-
ture husband, madame has just been
kind enough to tell me something that
am very glad to know before my be-
trothal is publicly announced tomorrow.
The colonel warned me against her to-
night, and she has just told me why.
You will see now what influence
friend like the baroness possesses.
promised the colonel yesterday never to
remove this bracelet from my wrist She
has told me now how 1 may unfasten it
, she taught me the secret spring. There
/ is still another secret inside, find
and I am going to unfasten 1t, and
prove to you all what l have just come
to know"
As she ceased speaking, and began
: to press her fingers hard upon the cross,
she looked yet more steadily at her
lover. He did not finch. nor had he
f1inched throughout her speech. only
sort of suppressed frmness seemed to
gather about his mouth
The baroness watched him. and her
smile was full of satisfaction. The friend
watched them all, with his usual keen
scrutiny. but his own smile was conh-
dent and care-free.
The spring yielded. and the bracelet
/ opened It's hinges was safeguarded with
ped the band off from her hand and held
/ it in the other hand, her fingers closing
"A couplet about true hearts and etern-
ity. I think you said she questioned,
turning toward the baroness I'VE shall
Then she whirled quickly, ran through
the door. crossed the balcony, and threw
/ the bracelet into the waves tndt tapped
the beach beyond.
THERE she cried. re-entering. so
much faith have ! in the man VINO mas
| chosen to honor me with his love. What
/ have you to say further. madame?'
The baroness looked toward the colonel
! and smiled still
/ Il congratulate you" she said, with the
/ graciOusness of a queen Il congratulated
you this afternoon I congratulate you
afresh tonight
The colonel met her eyes squarely as he
bent toward Enid.
THANK you, madame he rejoined sim
The friend never missed sign or the
turn of an eyelash of any one present
throughout the strange scene
J The baroness departed at o'clock the
! following morning called away by one Of
intrude their unwelcOme summons even
among the most congenial house parties.
Half an hour later the young officer
found Enid on the wide terrace and ap-
! preached her cap in hand. He had some
thing in his other hand also.
/ L have been in swimming" he said;
/ and by good luck / have recovered the
Jewel which served to prove so nobly your
/ own nobility last night
: He held out the bra celet. but at the sight
4 Enid shrank back, terrified and pale
mo. MOI" she cried. Il don't want it
Take it to the colonel"
The young man laughed.
/ Madame" he said, there is nothing
engraved within except your initials. The
/ baroness statement was as false as it was
/ artful
The blood stormed Ends cheeks; she
stretched forth her fingers and received
the tiny band
! 4 knew she was lying,'' she exclaimed,
! as she slipped the clasp and saw the ini-
/ ttals- Then she turned toward the house.
! The colonel will fasten it on again. she
addeu--London Answers.