Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-12-08

murmured. laying her cheek upon his
shoulder again with long sigh Of ut
ter content.
He was here. he was hers. she was
his, he held her close in his strong
tight. he crushed her so against his
breast that the diamond cross she
wore was pressed deep into her tender
bosom. What mattered It? The pain
was sweet to her twas loves brand.
He would never release her now. She
was his only. The weary days Of wait
ing. the long voyage over the stormy
seas the plans Of her grandfather the
hopes Of de Nitre--they were forgotten
Honor. faith, obedience--he had con-
quered
"Yours. yours only Philip, my dar-
ling-yours. yours. yours only" she
murmured again and again as me fell.
his beating heart. IT was so restful in
his arms she surrendered herself to
him in passionate devotion. She nes-
tied against him as a child. who was
seeking peace and longing for a haven.
might have done.
But how came you here. Philip"
she asked at last. Withdrawing from
his arms space that she might look
at him.
How handsome he was. how like n
king,
DO You not remember that night in
the tower. my own"
Have I ever forgotten it? There
you kissed away the child, and from
that moment loved you. Twas for
that reason babe them make my
room here
you recall the story Of Baron de
Croisic, sweet--how we wondered if
one could climb the WALL"
Yes, yes, and you said, given suf-
ficient what was the word. Philip"
incentive. sweet Anne. and with you
at the top | could have climbed to
heaven
20 Philip she shuddored, "and did
you come up that awful wall this dark
night? How could you do ito"
Love lent me wings. saw you at
the top. | pictured this moment.
Twas hope and a light heart that lifted
me up, my darling"
And if you had fallen?"
Then you would have been troubled
no longer. Little France"
II should have laid my body beside
yours, Philip at the foot of the tower
wall she cried. trembling and press
ing him to her heart once more
But your engagement AIMEE
20 Philip. that is not all Not only
did promise myself to Monsieur de
Wire but"
you were betrothed tonight to de
Kersaint"
you know"
~ was there"
There? Where"
"In the armory, behind the cur
tain"
CAN" she cried Twas you that
made me look and gaze"
eyes, twas | But you DO not love
this man."
She laughed.
Philip. my Philip. can you not see
whom | love? There is not throb
Of my heart that is not for you All.
would that you might say the same"
IL do say it, dearest. | swear IT."
But that picture in the locket?"
SET your heart at ease. Anne In
little while YOU shall know the mys-
terry of that"
Il have no mysteries from you,
Philip
"Nor shall have from you, love,
when this poor story is told But tell
me, what is it you will do"
Il know not My honor was
pledged TO de Vitro, although, with
my grandfather'g refusal. that condi-
tional promise is broken. and | am
Tree there. My heart is giver to YOU
ana my grandfather plights me to de
kersaint What shall do?"
Follow your heart, Anne; love is
the safest guide. Listen. have a
rope here attached to the tower. | can
lower you safely and easily down
Thero, in little bay below. "A trusty
man and little boat are ready for US.
OUTSIDE on the ocean my stout frisate
waits us. Come with me In one day
We are in England, free. and we shall
be married at once Trust me as you
love ne will give up my commits
sion in the navy of England. if YOU
wish; we will go back TO America,
ana there, in your mothers land,
Anne, make home and happiness to-
gethor.'
philip, she cried, persuaded yet
resistant, II cannot"
He gently led her toward the win
dow family protesting feebly strug-
CLING How masterful he was. this
Wooer who would not be denied,
Could she resist him? Her will--ay,
but her heart, was traitor. and to
every plea he urged it beat yes. yes.
yes.
Mercy, Philip, De Vitrc. Mon
sieur de Kersaint My grandfather,
my country, my home, Pity me. Do
not ask. | am weak before you
cannot, and yet, if you say so, must.
Oh, look not SOL
But you love me. Can YOU not
trust yourself with me? Win you not
give up all these things for me? Love
is selhsh-yes, know it, but that I
cannot help. must ask you to throw
aside all Of your life for me, and me
alone. | love you so! Nay, you shall,
you must, Gomez"
He bent lower to her and poured
his soul into her own in burning