The San Francisco call., 1904-03-13

to it,"
There was distinct pleading for con-
firmation in this. Her voice was slight
Iy husky. Essex, however. with that
perversity which marked all his treat
ment of her, said:
do you think you will? It's difficult
for woman to accommodate herself to
such changed conditions mean a wO-
man of refinement, like you.
She continued feebly to make her
stand.
But my conditions have changed so
much in the last two or three years I
ought to be used to it; it's not as if it
was the first time. Before my father
got sick We were so comfortable. We
were rich and had quantities of beau
tiful things like that cabinet. And as
they have gone. one by one, so we have
come down bit by bit, till am left like
this"
She made a gesture to include the
empty room and turned back to the fire.
But you won't stay like this he
said, throwing a glance over the bare
walls.
Don't you think SOP" she said. look
ing into the fire with detected eyes.
You're kind to try to cheer me up
You can be happy, protected and
cared for, with your life full of sun
shine and joy"
He stopped. Every step he took was
of moment, and he was not the type of
man to forgive himself a mistake.
Mariposa was looking at him, frOwning
slightly.
How do you mean?" she said.
With my voice?"
NO" he answered. in a tone that
suddenly thrilled with meaning. with
me-"
That quivering pause which falls be-
tween a man and woman when the
words that will link or sever them for
life are to be spoken, held the room.
Mariposa felt the terrified desire to ar
rest the coming words that is the
maiden's last instructive stand for her
liberty. But her brain was confused.
and her heart beat like hammer.
With me-" Essex repeated, as the
pause grew unbearable. rs there no
happiness for you in that thought"
She made no answer, and suddenly he
moved his chair close TO her side. She
felt his eyes fastened on her and kept
hers on the fire. Her other offers of
marriage had not been accomplished
with this sitting sense of discomfort.
i've thought" his deep voice went
on, that you cared for me-a little.
I've watched, I've desponded. But
lateIy-lately-" he leaned toward her
and lowered his voice I've hoped"
She still made no answer. 1t seemed
to her none was necessary or possible.
do you care?" he said, softly.
She breathed a yes" that only the
ear of love could have heard.
''Mariposa, dearest, do you mean it 20
He leaned over her and laid his hand on
hers. His voice was husky and his
hand trembling To the extent that
was in him he loved this woman.
do you love me?" he whispered.
The yes was even fainter this time
He raised the hand he held to his
breast and tried to draw her into his
arms
She resisted, and turned on him a
pale face, where emotions, never stirred
before, were quiveriDg. She was moved
to the bottom Of her SOUL Something
in her face made him shrink a little.
With her hand against his breast she
gave him the beautiful look of a wo-
s
stified the sudden twinge Of his con-
science and again tried to draw her
close to him. But she held him off with
the hand on his breast and said-as
thousands of girls say every year:
do you really love me?'
More than the whole world he an
swered glibly, but with the roughened
voice of real feeling.
"Why?" she said with a tremulous
smile, why should your"
Because you are you
But I'm just small insignificant
person here, without any relations, and
poor, so poor
"Those things don't matter when a
man loves a woman It's you 1 want.
not anything you might have or might
be-"
"But you're so clever and have lived
everywhere and seen everything. and
I'm $3.50 countrified and stupid"
You're Mariposa. That's enough for
me-"
"All I can bring you for my portion
is my heart"
'And that's all I want
You love me enough to marry me?''
His eyes that had been looking ar
IDENTIFY into her face, shifted.
II love you enough to be a fool about
you. Does that please your"
Her murmured answer was lost in the
first kiss of love that had ever been
pressed on her lips. She drew back
from it, pale and thrilled, not abashed,
but looking at her lover with eyes be-
fore which his dropped. 1t was a sa-
cred moment to her.
How wonderful" she whispered
that you should care for me-
1T would be more wonderful if
hadn't"
"And that you came now. when
everything was so dark and lonely.
You don't know how horribly lonely ]
felt this evening, thinking of leaving
here tomorrow and going among
strangers"
Continued Next Sunday.)