The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1904-03-03

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sending him from her happy and salts
fed, confident and secure. He knew she
would come to it in time, and it was
such sensible match.
Yet as he sat there, waiting, waiting,
| something seemed lacking. Nonsense
utter nonsensei But after all, a subtle,
cooling change. Camilla would come
to him in few moments now-her pure
lips his at last, her calm hands gentle
| pressure, his arm about the slender
waist. Surely, what more could be de-
| sired than this fulfillment of his long,
long dream?
overhead, from a chamber window,
trilled rich voice, few vibrant, feel
ing notes breathing of love and warmth
and longing.
To the mans cheeks the blood sprang
| holly. So had she sung to him by the
brook in the sunny day. Again he was
lifting the light, nesting creature in his
arms, the scent of her straying hair in
his eager nostrils, the brilliance of her
eyes glowing in him, her breath, that
soft arm bare against his neck. Again
his pulses racked with that quick, pas
sionate kiss, and again he laughed
hoarsely, even as upon the stream-for
1t was nothing.
He hardly saw the girl come toward
him in the moonlight. Only when she
stood before him and her sad, clear words
fell upon his ears, did he remember,
and he shuddered, trying to hate him
self
Camilla put her hand upon his head.
Irving" she said, and her voice was
unlike Milly Felton's, "a year ago to-
day you asked me to be your wife" Rad
way reached up for her fingers, and they
closed firmly upon his own. Last night
you told me you had waited the II
months l begged for, and now you are
listening for my decision. Wait! do
not interrupt me. In all this time have
prayed for and expected but one result.
Last evening l felt there remained no
obstacle let you see that. Since then,
have been thinking for both of us,
Irving l want you to help me. 1t is
very hard"
He made no reply, save to stroke the
soft hand.
q believe we can be happy together"
the girl continued with little sob. But
are our feelings all that they should be?
Do we mistake affection and admiration
for something more? l am afraid for
you, Irving-afraid for myself. How
may we gauge what is called love? In
you there lies a fire l have seen fame
and sparkle. | do not call it forth Peo-
pie say | am cold and reseryed--perhaps
| seem so, but underneath there is some
thing which startles me. Alas! you do
not kindle it. If you did, l would
would-oh! | would not be satisfied with
SO little as to stand here with my hand in
yours. Yet that is all feel want from
you-you with so much to give. Can
not you understand"
"Yes," answered Roadway, quietly, 81
do, dear. You do not love me, that is
ALL"
And you, Irving-am l not right?
If you can honestly say you do, will
try again 1t seems hopeless now, but
| will try"
mo, Milly, it is useless. Yes, you are
right. l thought l loved you. Let us
endeavor to forget it ALL"
A great flood of relief surged through
him, as he bent his lips to the cold,
trembling fingers-free!
So they remained for full minute,
motionless, silent, thankful Then the
girl stopped and kissed him tenderly.
Good night" she whispered, and ran
quickly in.
Irving Roadway sat and hooked at the
stars. Truly, the hand of Fate was upon
him. ut is all meant" he reflected. Il
will not fight it." How natural the steps
behind him seemed. He did not even
start when Sally Terriss spoke. Her
words, too, fell as if directed by his own
over-powering wish.
Come" she coaxed; take me down
by the little pond. 1t is lovely there, and
not late"
Her touch upon his arm as they
strolled down the path, her ripple of
words like the song of the brook. Yes,
he would tell her, there by the moonlit
water now so near-so near.
1--WE been writing to Jack" ratified
Sally. Hes the best old thing-never
scolds. l told him all about this after
noon and that tender embrace"
Your brother?" Queried Railway.
Brother! l like that. Jack is Mr..
John Banning, and am to be Mrs. John.
We've only been engaged three months,
so it isn't out yet. What's the matter?
You made a noise like one of those bull
frogs. Dizzy? Here, let me hold you,
So Better? That's right. What was
saying-oh yes! You see, when you
carried me across the brook l sort of
shut my eyes and made believe it was
Jack l wrote him you were a staid
creature, and an awfully poor substitute,
so guess he will forgive me. What, 60
ing back already? Why! we have just
come out"
Lets see, Louisa" remarked Mr. Fell
ton three days later, II came up on
Tuesday, and young Railway left early
Wednesday morning. Was that it? |
hope l didn't frighten him off,"