Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1904-09-01
wise. Hillside was quiet place. Th,

Il
oak. Every afternoon he hurried ia
the tree and watched eagerly for q
| glimpse of the white frock. Everlast.
ing seemed the days in which she did
not appear. Yet still she remained as
elusive, as tantalizing and as charm.
ing. Did these days mean anything to
her? He hardly dared hope for it, and
yet
If she would only come once in the
evening, then he might indeed believe
himself more than mere acquaint.
ance. But at his suggestion there she
only laughed.
And then at last, when all the world
lay white and dreamy beneath the
moonshine, she came, stepping daintily
across the dewy grass. At sight OF
her Maxwell drew long breath.
"Ah, moon of my delight that knows
no wane," he breathed The girls gaze
wandered past him to where the waves
danced in shimmering ripples under
the soft radiance, and for a space the
spell of the night laid its hush upou
them. Maxwell leaned toward the bar.
rier.
"Do you smell the honeysuckle?" he
murmured. The girl shiyered.
cit is almost too sweet" she answer
ed low, 'too intense"
'"Then give me the spray you wear"
he begged. But as she mechanically
held it out he drew back
put 1t on for me-" he besought.
Still in silence the girl bent across
the odnrous hedge and slipped the
flower into his coat. Suddenly his
hand closed over the fingers on his
breast, holding them SO that she could
feel the pounding Of his heart. For a
long moment the girl looked deep into
his eyes. Her heart quickened, and
her face showed white in the moon.
light, but she drew away the hand and
managed to smile.
1.-THE game has been very pleasant"
she said slowly. "But now the end
has come, and tonight am to say good.
by"
Maxwell started. "Goodby," he
echoed stupidity. '.Now, after you have
come to me. Goodby! 1t has not been
all a game" he went on, gathering
courage. The girl put up protesting
hand.
member"
''There was no pretense on my side"
Maxwells voice was steady. II love
you"
"But you can't, you mustn't. You're
not playing fair. Besides you don't
even know my name," urged the girl
in dismay. Maxwell laughed.
''Not know you? have always
known you and waited for you," he as.
serted. The girl, who had glanced up
quickly, shook her head.
"You are mistaken" she murmured
ell thought ourselves just pretend
Ing. thought you knew the rules Of
the game. Forgive me, butt am al.
ready engaged
"What!'' The exclamation broke
sharply from Maxwell When he went
on 1t was in an altered voice.
II see. 1t has been my own fault
should have played even, but put
too much on the hazard. Double O,
quits the game, and lose. Quits it is,"
with bitter little laugh. The girl
caught her breath.
"But / never dreamed that you would
take 1t like this" she faltered. "And-
and it was SO long ago that became
engaged. 1t is only lately have learn
ed that he still cares Would you care
to see my engagement ring?" rather
wistfully. eyes, want you to-" as
Maxwell uttered fierce protest. I'm
tying blue ribbon from her throat, she
laid it in his palm. On the ribbon
was fastened a slender circlet of gold
twined with forgetmenots. Maxwell
looked at it with distaste.
Hence your name," he said absent
ly, twisting the ring with unconscious
fingers "a good message for him tt
leave, but surely an unnecessary name
for you. Who would forget you, blue
eyed princess? Blue is true. Blue is
Why He broke of abruptly, with
eyes suddenly riveted on the little ring
For second he stared in bewilder
ment, then glanced at the girl. Her
AdCc was IOSc Teu luS luOOullkuL, dQU
Maxwell gasped.
"Madeleine!' he cried swiftly, In
credulously. Madeleine, is 1t really
you? My dear little girl sweetheart
my first little love. who promised ia
marry me when she grew up the day
gave her this ring? Madeleinew The
girl uttered an uncertain little laugh.
II am Madeleine"
And you knew me all the timer"
with sudden intuition.
"Why, III heard that you were
here" under lowered lashes. ..And the
book settled Il. i told you children had
good memories. Didn't you think me
very forward for princess? You see
Ididn't want you to know me, because
that Isl breaking of in pretty EN-.
barrassment. you see
II see that have been an ASST" ex
claimed Maxwell unsteadily. made
leine," he leaned across the hedge and
tried to take her hand. but the girl
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