Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1903-03-28
900 :

II really cannot say, since he never
confessed to tender passion for me. The
difference in our stations precluded any
thing of the sort. You must remember
that there are few men like you, my
loyal love, who stopped to lift beggar-
maid to share your throne
Her eyes were misty and full of I'M
shed tears. partly out of gratitude and
love for him, and partly-she could not
help it--because she was conscious OF
sharp, agonized remembrance of night
four years before, the very thought of
which made her turn white and as cold
as death as she leaned upon her hus-
bands arm.
One hand beneath her dimpled chin lift
ed her face to meet his gaze. She met
it sweetly and frankly, but he knew her
we'll enough to know that the intense
blackness of her dilated eyes denoted
deep emotion.
"Tell me the truth, Oracle" he entreat-
ed. THAT man looked at you rs no
mere acquaintance ever looked at a wom-
an-looked at you as he had no right to
look at the wife of another man! What
mystery is this you are trying to withhold
from me? If you refuse to answer what
i
to seek satisfaction from him.
He was terribly in earnest. The bale
full fire of doubt and jealousy burned In
his eagle gaze, and startled the young
creature who read its language with n
vague doubt creeping into her soul. She
did not want to deceive her husband
still less did she want to tell him the
truth for which he asked. Her answer
oy,l >orI,o
trife impatient, as though the subject
seemed to her scarcely worth this 'wordy
war"
"Wcll, then, Mr. Bruce Conway star
tied me very much by entering here quite
suddenly and making me an offer Of his
hand, declaring that he had learned to
love me while abroad. / checked him by
telling him that l was n wife and mother
You heard his apology to me-he did not
know of my marriage. That is all there
is to tell"
He looked at her and half smiled at
thought of Conway's discontinue; but
the passing merriment was displaced in a
moment by the sharp pain Juggling at
his heart strings. He had the Jealous
Southern nature to perfection He could
not endure even the thought that another
had ever cnshrined in his heart the image
of Grace, his lovely girl bride. SO sharp
a pang tore his heart that he could lot
move or speak.
Paul, my husband'-she looked up Mt
him as wondrously fair in his eyes rs she
had been in Bruce Conway's, and with
timid grace that was infinitely becom-
ing to her-"surely you do not blame me-
| could not help it. I am sorry it has
happened. l cannot say more"
Let us 60 love-" he said Il confess
that l shall feel better away from here
and in our pleasant home"
Long after their adieus to their hostess
had been spoken, and his arm had low
ingly lifted her into her carriage, Bruce
Conway's eyes watched vacantly the spot
where she had vanished from his sight,
while that haggard wanness of despair
never left his face. Never until the hour
i'll which he knew her irrevocably lost
to him did he realize how deeply rooted
in his soul his love had been. Amid all
the glories of the old world he had felt
that life was q desert without her, and in
the Arabian deserts the knowledge had
dawned slowly upon him, that even here
her mere presence would have created q
paradise of bliss. Far away from her,
unconsciously to her, he had mentally
renowned his anticipated Inheritance,
and come home with the fixed intention
of winning her, and toiling, if need be,
checrfully for her. a touch on his Shout
der, voice in his ear Jared suddenly on
his wild, semi-savagc mood.
BE n man, Bruce, old fellow, be a
man. 1t is too late for unavailing re-
grets. Call all your manhood to your
aid"
"Clendenon, is it you?" He turned and
wrung his friends hand with a grip that
must have panied him. 'Have you come
to exult over my misery with the sterco-
typed L hold you SOP"
Can you think it of me? Bruce. |
have watched you for the last five min
utes, and | understand your feelings.
From my soul pity youH'
'Don'tl Sympathy l cannot bear
even from you, old boy. Glen, how long
has it bcen-when was shea great
gulp-"marriedY :"
More than eighteen months ago Sen
ator Winans saw her first at one of your
aunt's receptions, where she was brought
forward to perform difficult sonata for
a musical party. He saw and loved.
mere WIS Il uIlel COuIlSuipt DLEilldul
marriage, under the rejoicing auspices of
your aunt, and the beautiful Hon. Mrs.
Winans was the belle of last season in
Washington, as her husband was one of
the most notable members of the Senate.
She has been the fashion ever since"
$50 she was like all other women, after
ALL" sneered Conway, in jealous rage.
'Sold herself. SO much beauty, intellect,
and frivolity--for a brilliant establish
ment a proud name, and high position"
Il think not. They live very happily,
| am told. He is worthy any woman's
love, aud has won hers, no doubt. And,
Bruce, l don't think anything could make
her worldly or calculating. As much If
the angel is about her as is possible for
mortal TO possess
The speaker moved aside to make way
for Mrs. Conway, who swept out on the
piazza and up to the side of her nephew.
Somehow the news of his return had been