Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1904-08-05

his eyes. Her heart quickened. and
her face showed white In the moon
light but she drew away the hand and
managed TO smile.
/ "rhe 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 10 me. Goodbyi 1t has not been
all a game" he went on, gathering
courage. The girl put up protesting
hand
mo. no; We were pretending. re-
member"
There was no pretense on my side. "
Maxwell's voice was steady. CT 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.
IL thought ourselves just pretend
ing. i 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 I'm an altered voice.
Il see. 1t has been my own fault.
1 should have played even, but 1 put
too much on the hazard. Double or
quits the game. and lose. Quits II is"
with bitter little laugh. The girl
caught her breath.
but never dreamed that you would
take 1t Ike this" she faltered. "And-
and 1t 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 ringY' rather
wistfully. Yes, 1 want you to-" as
Maxwell uttered a fierce protest. I'm
tying blue ribbon from her throat. she
laid 1t I'm his palm. On the ribbon
was fastened slender circlet Of gold
twined with forgetmenots. Maxwell
looked at II with distaste.
Hence your name" he said absent
ly, twisting the ring with unconscious
fingers. "A good message for him to
leave. but surely an unnecessary name
for you. Who would forget you. blue
eyed princess? Blue is true. Blue is
why He broke Off abruptly, with
eyes suddenly riveted on the little ring.
For second be stared I'm bewilder-
ment. then glanced at the girl. Her
face was rose red in the moonlight, and
Maxwell gasped.
Madeleine!' he cried swiftly. in
credulously. Madeleine, Is II really
your My dear little girl sweetheart.
my first little love, who promised TO
marry me when she grew up the day
l gave her this ringS Madelelney' The
girl uttered an uncertain little laugh
Il am Madeleine"
"And you knew me oil the timer~
with sudden intuition.
why, II heard that you were
here" under lowered lashes. And the
book settled it. told you children had
good memories. Didn't you think me
very forward for n princess? You see.
didn't want you to know me, because.
that is"-breaking Off in pretty en-
barrassment. You see''-
L see that l have been an ASST ex-
claimed Maxwell unsteadily. Made
leine." he leaned across the hedge and
tried to take her hand, but the girl
slipped back. Madeleine, 1 can't Dug
the ring baclz from this side OF the
hedge" His pulses were racing: his
voice sounded strange In his own ears.
madeleine. may l cross the hedgep
There was moments silence, tense
vibrant, through which Maxwell caught |
dimly the distant beat OF the waves.
the delicate, penetrating fragrance OF |
the honeysuckle. Then slowly she lift |
cd tender, wistful eyes to his, while
her lips curved into the sweetest smile,
You may try" she said.