The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1903-02-26

SOuHIcIe GU tlloSe VI lue young SlII. n
shock passed over his body, and he
saw all the colors of the rainbow.
What would he not have given to over
hear what passed between the Vande-
leurs? What would he not have given
for the courage to take up his opera
glass and steadily inspect their attitude
and expression? There. for aught he
knew. his whole life was being de-
cided, and he not able to interfere, not
even able to follow the debate, but con-
demned to sit and suffer where he was
in impotent anxiety
At last the act came to an end. The
curtain fell. and the people around him
began to leave their places for the inter-
val. 1t was only natural that he should
follow their example, and if he did So
it was not only natural but necessary,
that he should pass Immediately in
front Of the box in question. Summon
ing all his courage. but keeping his eyes
lowered. Francis drew near the spot.
His progress was slow. for the old gen
tleman before him moved with incredi-
BILE elaboration. wheeling as he went
What was he to do? Should he .ad-
dress the Vandeleurs by name as he
went by? Should he take the flower
from his buttonhole and throw it into
the box? Should he raise his face and
direct one long and affectionate look
upon the lady who was either his sister
or his betrothed? AS he found himself
thus struggling among so many alter
natives he had vision Of his old equa-
BILE existence in the bank and was as
sailed by thought of regret for the
past
BY this time he had arrived directly
opposite the box, and, although he was
still undetermined what to do or wheth-
er to do anything, he turned his head
and lifted his eyes. No sooner had he
done so than he uttered cry of disap-
pointment and remained rooted to the
spot. The box was empty. During his
slow advance Mr.. Vandeleur and his
daughter had quietly slipped away.
A polite person in his rear reminded
him that he was stopping the path, and
he moved on again with mechanical
footsteps and suffered the crowd to car
~ him, unresisting. out Of the theater.
Once in the street, the pressure ceas-
ing, he came to a halt, and the cool
night air speedily restored him to the
possession of his faculties. He was
surprised to find that his head ached
violently and that he remembered not
one word of the two acts which he had
witnessed. AS the excitement wore
away it was succeeded by an over
weening appetite for sleep, and he hail
ed cab and drove to his lodging in a
state of extreme exhaustion and some
disgust of life
Next morning he lay in wait for
Miss Vandeleur on her road to market
and by O'Clock beheld her stepping
down a lane. She was simply and
even poorly attired, but in the carriage
OF her head and body there was some
thing flexible and noble that would
have lent distinction to the meanest
toilet. Even the basket, so aptly did
she carry it, became her like an orna-
ment. 1t seemed to Francis, as he
slipped into doorway, that the sun
shine followed and the shadows fled
before her as she walked, and he was
conscious, for the first time. of bird
singing in cage above the lane.
He suffered her to pass the doorway
and then, coming forth once more, ad-
dressed her by name from behind.
Miss Vandeleur," said he.
She turned and, when she saw who
he was, became deadly pale.
pardon me- he continued. "Heaven
knows l had no will to startle YOU.
and indeed there should be nothing
startling in the presence of one who
wishes you so we'll as I do. And, be-
heve me, l am acting rather from ne
cesslty than choice. We have many
things in common. and I am sadly in
the dark. There is much that I should
be doing, and my hands are tied. I do
not know even what to feel nor who
are my friends and enemies.''
She found her voice with an effort.
Il DO not know who you are" she
said.
Ah, yes, Miss Vandeleur, you d."
returned Francis, "better than / do
myself. Indeed it is on that, above all.
that 1 seek light. Tell me what YOU
Know" he pleaded. "Tell me who /
am. who you are and how our des-
TIMES are intermixed. Give me a little
help with my life, Miss vandeleur-'
only word or two to guide me, only
the name of my father, if YOU will
ana snail be grateful and content"
Il will not attempt to deceive you,"
she replied. Il know who you are, but
am not at liberty to say" -
"Tell me, at least, that you have for
given my presumption. and shall wait
with all the patience have.' he, said.
III l am not to know. must do With
out. 1t is cruel. but l can bear more
upon push. Only do not add to my
troubles the thought that have made
an enemy of YOU
You did only what was natural"
she said. "and have nothing to for
give you. FAREWELL
lis it to be farewell?'' he asked.
NAY: that. do not know myself"