The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1904-10-26

action he could save himself from his
own disesteem, and, perhaps, her
scorn.
At the heart of him he did not know
what to think of her. She did not
fear him, yet she did not try to draw
him. Her grace and gentleness hid so
much that was brave and strong that
doubt of her was impossible. Yet, who
was she? What was she? Had that
ring meant anything? Why had she
removed it?
He had for some time been able to
take vacancy in laboratory at Liv-
, erpool, and now made definite arrange
ments for the change.
On the evening that he had deter
mined to tell her of his leaving London
she tapped at his door, and on her en-
tering to his call he had not the heart
to look up, but returned her greeting
| with eyes bent on his book.
| After a little talk she seemed to
think he was preoccupied, and as usual,
in her sensible manner that had al
ways half pleased and half embittered
him, she rose soon as if to go away.
He looked up quickly.
Don't co." he said; 81 have some
thing to tell you. have got an ap-
pointment at Liverpool and shall be
leaving London in few days. l sup
pose you, too, will be getting new quar-
tiers soon."
She went pale as she sat, and in her
eyes came a look of terror.
"Your are leaving London? IL am
very sorry"
81, too, am sorry" said Portway,
hurriedly; very sorry; but think
it is best for-for my prospects as an
analyst"
She nodded her head, looking at him
with eyes Of sadness. She rose and
went to the door in silence, stopped,
came back to where he stood and held
out her hand.
an. Stephen" she said, in low, soft
tones, Il can never thank you enough
for your goodness. You have been
more than a friend to me, but
She shook her head sorrowfully and
her eyes darkened as if with fear. She
dropped his hand, and with wan
smile shrugged her shoulders.
what is it, mademoiselle?" he said,
his voice quick.
II fear myself" she said. ri am a
coward" Her face and figure seemed
suddenly Swallowed in gloom. But,
as you have seen, my friend, there is
something that leaps into us French
women when things are at their worst,
and it drives us-it drives us to-
She made curious gesture, in which
Indifference and despair seemed to be
flung over a verge.
But this" she said, instantly bright,
"this is ungrateful talk. You have put
me on safe road. thank you, Mon
sieur Stephen. There are not many
men like you, fear. will be strong,
like you. thank you for your good
ness-I thank you with all my poor
heart"
"Marcelle," he said, looking into the
eyes that shone with unshed tears
you think leave my task half done
You think l do not care. But, Mar.
celle, if you care for me and can"
He stammered and was silent; he
could not frame all the opposing
thoughts that thronged and, instead
he held her hand, looking at the finger
on which he had seen the ring. He
raised his head and met her eyes
and instantly complete knowledge
seemed to bridge their minds.
II have no one in the world" she
said, her eyes and cheeks aglow. "It
was my fancy to wear my ring that
day, for thought soon should see
him that had lost. We had been sc
happy for little while after we were
married, and then he became ill ant
had to go away from me, and never
saw him again till he lay dead. THAI
was four years ago. Then my fathers
ruin came upon us, and, oh, that littl.
happy time seems so far away!"
do you care enough for me to b.
my wife?"
The smiling, flushing face looked
fondly in his eyes, and then, as sh,
was drawn within his arms, she said
II cared for you on the day told
you that your eyes had looked 81
hard, for saw then how very tender
they could be."-London Sketch.
/