The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1904-01-07

1
whom you knew were eager to welcome
you back to the old circle after your long
absence abroad"
your penetration is not remarkable
for it's acuteness tonight" the man
submitted tentatively. He gave her
long, searching look. This is the first
function l have graced CD in five years.
The night you gave me my congo, fore
swore society, and since then have
sought companionship among the
beasts of the jungle. They are, at least,
merciful, as they inf1ict mortal wounds.
which are far less cruel than the linger-
ing variety"
! The woman WINGED slightly, then with
an effort, she said, quite steadily:
"Why recall by-gones, Albert? 1t is
so hopeless, so unavailing. Let us draw
the mantle of forgetfulness over the
old days. and for tonight give ourselves
over to the present. Let our watchword
be To-day for yesterday is gone from
us forever, and tomorrow we may not
live to see. Life is too short to waste
in vain regrets"
"Agreed-on one condition." said the
man, earnestly.
"Andthat?" with rising infection in
her voice.
THAT you tell meat least do me the
justice to explain why you threw me over
and married man whom I have every
reason to believe you did not love"
The woman's face was as white as
the rope of pearls which encircled her
fair throat. She sat nervously toying
with the rings on her small, shapely nm
gers. When she at last looked up, there
was a tired, weary look about her eyes.
"Since you persist" there was
sort of break in her voice-"l will tell
you. Fathers business affairs were tot
tering, ruin was imminent. A rich SON.
in-law, he said, would reestablish con-
fidence among his creditors, and bridge
him over. He put up pitiful story;
there was no time for hesitancy-no al
tentative, and sol broke with you.
who had at that time no prospects to
speak of-and gave myself up as sac
rifice."
The man in the shadow caught his
breath fiercely. Inadvertently his hand
sought his pocket and drew forth some
thing small and glittering. He smiled
grimly as he turned it over in his hand,
and reflected with what facility it did its
| work. In one brief second it could for
ever remove the barrier which stood be-
tween her and happiness. But he must
not make scene and spoil her evening.
7 otnr hic line c0lufp-
ly, threw away his cigar Qong since
gone OUT, and then. like far-off music
he could hear her saying:
After all, Albert, it was the hand of
Providence. We were such children,
and did not know the meaning of love.
Why, compared with the real thing, that
| youthful passion was but spurious
imitation. At that time had not the
faintest conception of the beauty, the
! fullness of what Drummond defines the
greatest thing in the world.'-A won
derful being is the little god of love.
Though blind and deaf to our wishes OF
, desires, he dissipates cares, lightens
burdens, and makes life one grand, sweet
song. All, Albert, in the old days, l
never dreamed of such perfect love as
| now fills my life"
The man rose and offered his arm.
Before returning to the ballroom"
he said, in voice disciplined to steadi-
ness, 81 should like to offer my con-
CALCULATIONS, and-pardon me-but
should you mind telling me the name of
tie fortunate one upon whom you"
The woman interrupted him with a
soft, ripping laugh.
''As II there could be but one-that
noblest and hest man God ever created
my husband"
They passed on and the man in the
shadows sank back into the chair and
drew forth another cigar Before light
ing it, he returned the glittering object
to his pocket. In voice strangely soft
and tender, he murmured:
God! l thank Thee!"
Far down the street some one was
stunning on guitar and singing:
Tell me that you love me,
Tell me softly, as of old
Tell me that you love me-
nr hot xto