Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-05-27

SoeeeeoSeoce
ways be weak, delicate woman. And
In her great love she decided to sacri-
flee even one hour of joy-she could
never bear to be drag on David, she
must send him away again without ex-
planning the reason
When she arrived at the house where
she lived in Kensington, she turned
down the lamps under their red shades
and told the maid to put more coal on
the fire. She decided to postpone her
preparations Of her illness until after
her visitor had gone. She would only
have time now to prepare herself for
the scene she must 60 through with
him.
After she had some tea she went to
her room. The frock she had chosen to
wear was lying on the bed. 1t was a
soft blue silk, and was very simply
made. Quickly she put it back into
the wardrobe and took down one that
was just sufficiently old-fashioned to
be dowdy.
molly said I look twenty in blue
and thirty-five in black" she whis-
pered, as she laid it on the bed.
Then she unfastened Der hair. She
remembered some one saying, ITO part
the hair in the center either makes a
woman look much older or much
younger than she actually is. I think,
Elizabeth, that it makes you look much
older" Taking up the comb, she care
fully made parting down the center
OF her head and twisted her hair into
tight knob at the back.
The reflection that the mirror sent
back to her made her shudder.
Then she put on the dowdy black
frock. Ugh! she did look plain and old
and commonplace No man could make
love to woman who looked like that.
And Of all men, not David Moore, for
she knew so well that he liked a wo1n-
an to be good to look at
Having finished her strange toilet.
she went down to her sitting room, and
waited. Fifteen minutes later her Wis
itor came.
Elizabeth saw him start and the sur
prised look in his eyes as she held out
her hand to him and asked coolly how
he had enjoyed his trip.
Are you i'll, Elizabeth? he said
without answering her, and
looking anxiousiy at the face that had
changed almost beyond recognition
since>he last saw it.
mo, no! Why should I be illY"
You look so white and"
"Old," she finished "well, I am six
months older you must remember
since you went away, and 1 am not the
type of woman who wears we'll"
us anything the matter? Are you
in trouble?"
What should there be to trouble
me? I never do anything but have a
good time. 1 love excitement, and all
that sort Of thing"
The man looked as If he was not
sure he had heard Alright.
NO" Elizabeth continued. "I am
not really different, but you have been
accustomed to fresh young faces late
ly, and so poor mine seems old and
withered in comparison. But please
don't waste the time in discussing my
Tell me how you enjoyed
your visit"
Fairly; but was so anxious to get
back to London to see you again that
l did not think much about 1t. You
know why 1 wished to be here by the
10Th, Elizabeth?"
She looked as though she was trying
to remember.
Darling" he went on, coming close
to her, you have not forgotten that
you said you would listen to me when
I returned. You know, without any
words, that you are the dearest wom-
an in the world to me, and that I wish
you for my wife,"
"Your wifew she echoed, with n
sneering laugh. >"Thank you, no. I
must decline the honor"
"Elizabethw and his face went white
as he held her hands tightly, "what do
you meanT
"Just that" she said. IT decline the
honor"
"Then," and he dropped her hands
and turned away, IT had better 20. I
was q conceited foSi. Forgive me.