The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-03-22


 Ia sadness lowering in his dreamy eyes.
 had said quietly:
 And yet. Beresford, she is only a wo- man of stone" Involuntariiy the words repeated them selves to him this night, and be drew a quick breath.
 A woman of stoner' Surely the two were alxini Could nothing touch this wo- man who sat now unmoved. while the immense audience were swayed by the power of song? Were there no hidden chords of tenderness. of feeling, within that faultless shape? Was there no heart beneath those folds of tulle and satin those cleaning, flashing stones? From the friendly shelter of the dark curtains, he studied her intently, this brilliant. beautiful wife of his old friend. | He was curious--he confessed 1t to him. self-there was something he could not fathom. Those smiling lips. those violet eyes. were trusty, unyielding sentineis of the heart below-they guarded well. She was still a fascination to him. Iater-as they sat in the luxuriously ap- | pointed drawing room, after the opera, where the frelight rose and fell in it- full, reddish gieams-the jasmines heavily scented the air. and the old colored wo- man she had brought from her Ameri- can home. went noisel >ssly to and fro
 with the dainty fragile service. It was all pictures-Beresford thought,
 and just then the host had come in, naughty. reserved. dignifed. as befitting the bearer of his name. and with him. a bonnie little chap of six. the heir to all
 these vast estates.
 He ran quickly across the room to his mothers side, and despite the lateness of the hour, his blue eyes were wide open.
 "'Oh, mama, come quick and see my
 birthday giftr The eager little hands drew her impatiently toward the music
 room. the others following slowly. See. mamma! It talks, and 1t sings and 1t plays just like the band out in
 the square, only like Dixie better than God Save the Queen! Quick, fix it, pa- pa! Now. listen!'
 She smiled little at the childish ex- cited face. as the clear, ringing tones of Sousa's band came pouring out into the quiet room.
 Her husband leaned over her chair. Its really very good, American 2l- together" He smiled down at her. I don't know the voice-I must make some inquiries-but's superb!' Then he turned away and she leaned back against the soft cushions and care lessly crumbled a bit of wafer in her slender, jeweled fingers. There was a little hush-the rain out side beat steadily against the long win dows-it was a wild night
 Last night dreamed your golden hair Lay soft against my face.
 And that your fingers in my hand Had found 8 resting place." | It was a mans voice. divinely sweet
 and tender-a marvellous voice-and Beresford leaned forward in wondering
 delight, while his host quietly enjoyed
 his surprise.
 q dreamed your girlish lips met mine. And that your dewy breath
 Did whisper thoughts against my l cheek,
 As would give life to death: Did whisper thoughts against my | cheek,
 l As would give-life-to- | There was a rustic of soft draperies- Beresford glanced up impatiently-then
 he sprang to his feet in sudden alarm! She had risen and was gazing steadily over at the wonderful instrument. The beautiful face was ashen pale and the violet eyes were full of horror. As he
 looked. the slender figure swayed back
 and forth, the white hands were thrown
 out despairingly, and she would have fal-
 len. had he not caught her quickly-and
 only his ears heard the low. piteous cry:
 Douglas. oh Douglas. forgive!' | | "Oh, little maiden whose soft lips l Are sweeter than May dew,
 Just lean a moment on my breast ! And make my dream come true" sang on the exquisite voice. But she did
 not know nor hear-she would not again
 for many months-perhaps never-the great physicians said nervous prostra-
 tion-too great social strain.
 And only Beresford knew. that Doug
 las," whoever and wherever he was, was
 avenged.
 And make-and make-my-dream- l-come--true"