Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-08-16
"OA, Miss wilton, pou here ?"

But what were these things? Moth.
ing to her nothing. There was but
one. As she had said on the ship to
Desborough: II love sailor. You are
not he." And yet her soul was filled
with pity for the gallant gentleman,
and she thought Of him tenderly, with
deep affection.
Presently she heard quick footsteps
on the floor Of the boathouse. and. turn
ing her head. she saw him. He held a
letter, an official packet, with the seal
broken. open in his hand.
"Oh, Miss Wilton. you herc? he said.
81 have looked everywhere for you
DO you not think the evening air grows
chill? Is 1t not too cold for you out
here in the boathOuse? Allow me.
And then. with that gentle sollcitude
which women prize, he lifted the neg
lected cloak and tenderly wrapped 1t
about her shoulders.
"Thank you." she said gratefully
family smiling up at him, but hardly
need ii. | do not feel ut all cold. The air
is so pleasant, and the sun Is not yet
set. YOU see. Did you wish to see me
about anything special, Lord Desbor-
ough:"
"No-yes-that is Oh, Mistress
Katharine. the one special want of my
life is to see you always and every
where. You know that. Nay. never
lift YOUR hand. | remember. | will
try not to trespass upon your orders
again. came to tell you that am
going away
"Going away" she repeated sadly.
HAS your exchange been made"
"Yes; Il courier came to the Hall a
short time ago, and here 1t Is. My Or
ders. YOU see. must leave ut once"
81 am sorry-indeed sOrry-that you
must GO"
He started suddenly as II to speak, a
little fash of hope Pickering in his de-
spondent face. but she continued quick
ly:
1T has been very pleasant for us to
have you here, except that you have
been n prisoner. But now you Will be
free, and for that, Of course. | rejoice.
But have 80 few friends left" she
went OH mournfully, II am loath to see
one depart, even though he be an en-
emy."
"Oh, do not call me an enemy, en-
treat you, Katharine! Oh, let me speak
lust once again." he interrupted with
his usual impetuoslty, "and talk not to
me Of freedom! While the earth holds
you | am not free; aye. even should
heaven claim you | still am bound.
All the days Of my captivity here
have been most willing and happy
prisoner-your prisoner. l have looked
forward with dread and anguish to the
day when | might be exchanged ana
have to 90 away. Here would | have
been content to pass my life, by your
side. Oh. once again let me plead! My
duty, my honor, call me now to the
service of my king. no longer have
excuse for delay. but you have almost
made me forget there was king. Now
that must 60, why should l go aloneT'
he went on eagerly. 81 know. | know
you love the-tfs other; but he Is gone.
You do not hate me; you even like me.
You regset my going. Perhaps rs days
70 by you will regret 1t more. we are
lt least friends; let me take care OF you
I'm future. Oh, 1t kills me to see you 30
white and Indifferent to life and all
that il has or should have for you!
You are only girl yet. l cannot bear
to see all the color gone out OF your
sweet face, the light out Of your eyes
The sight of that thin hand breaks my
heart. Won't you live for me to love
live and let me love you? Your father
goes tomorrow, so he says, and you Will
be left alone here. Why should 1t be!
Go with me. Give me right to DC
what my heart aches to do for you
to coax the roses back into your cheek
to woo the laugh to your lips. to win
happiness back to your heart, to devote
my life to you. darling. Have pity on
me, have pity on my love-have pity!
His voice dropped into a passionate
whisper. AS he pleaded with her he
sank down upon one knee by her side
beseeching by word and gesture and
look that she should show him thai
pity he could see in her eyes. that he
knew was in her heart, and to which he
| made his last appeal, and then, lifting
the hem Of her dress to his lips will
an unconscious movement Of passion
ate reverence, he waited.
She looked at him In silence a mo
ment. So young, 80 handsome. so ap
pealing, her heart filed with sorrow
and sympathy for him. There wal
hope in his eyes which she had no
seen for many days. How could sh'
drive it away and crush his heart! l