Amador ledger., 1904-10-28

the tree and watched eagerly for a
glimpse of the white frock. Everlast-
ing seemed the days in which she did
not appear. Yet still she -amained as
elusive, as tantalizing and as charm
her? He hardly dared hope for it, and
yet
If she would only come once in the
evening, then he might indeed believe
himself more than a mere acquaint-
ance. But at his suggestion there she
only laughed.
And then at last, when all the world
lay white and dreamy beneath the
moonshine, she came, stepping daintily
across the dewy grass. At sight of
her Maxwell drew long breath.
"Ah, moon of my delight that knows
no wane," he breathed. The girls gaze
wandered past him to where the waves
danced in shimmering ripples under
the soft radiance, and for a space the
spell of the night LAID its hush upon
them. Maxwell leaned toward the bar
rier.
"Do you smell the honeysuckle?' he
murmured. The girl shivered.
at is almost too sweet" she dnswer-
ed low, "too intense"
'Then give me the spray you wear"
he begged. But as she mechanically
held it out he drew back.
Put it on for me-" he besought.
Still in silence the girl bent across
the odorous hedge and slipped the
flower into his coat. Suddenly his
hand closed over the fingers on his
breast, holding them so that she could
feel the pounding Of his heart. For a
long moment the girl looked deep into
his eyes. Her heart quickened, and
her face showed white in the moon
light, but she drew away the hand and
managed to smile.
'The 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 to me- Goodbyl 1t has not been
all game" he went on, gathering
courage. The girl put up a protesting
hand.
mo, no; we were pretending, re-
member"
'"There was no pretense on my side. u
Maxwell's voice was steady. "I 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.
mot know your 1 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. 1 thought you knew the rules of
the game. Forgive me, butt am al
ready engaged"
"Whatl" The exclamation broke
sharply from Maxwell. When he went
on it was in an altered voice.
II see. 1t has been my own fault
I should have played even, but put
too much on the hazard. Double or
quits the game, and lose. Quits 1t Is, -
with a batter little laugh. The girl
caught her breath.
But 1 never dreamed that you would
take it like this" she faltered. "And-
and it was so long ago that I became
engaged. 1t is only lately have learn
ed that he still cares. Would you care
to see my engagement ring~ rather
wistfully. "Yes, want you to-" as
Maxwell uttered fierce protest. Un-
tying a blue ribbon from her throat, she
laid it in his palm. On the ribbon
was fastened a slender circlet of gold
twined with forgetmenots. Maxwell
looked at 1t 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 a second he stared in 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 it really
you? My dear little girl sweetheart,
my first little love, who promised to
marry me when she grew up the day
l gave her this ring? Madeleine!' The
girl uttered an uncertain little laugh.
"I am NIadeleinoO
And you knew me all the time"
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 princess? You see,
1 didn't want you to know me, because,
that is''-breaking off in pretty en-
barrassment. you see''-
II see that 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, can't put
the ring back from this side of the
hedge" His pulses were racing; his
voice sounded strange in his own ears.
Madeleine, may l cross the hedge?"
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
ed tender, wistful eyes to his, while
her lips curved into the sweetest smile