The new enterprise. (Madison, Fla.) 1901-1908, 1904-04-28

after all"
But Natalie was proud. Under the
circumstances, she didn't want to own
even to herself that she had a particle
of love left for Phil. She had a con-
science, too, which forbade her lamp
ering with the sacredness OF human
| affections. So. between the two, she
felt an equal balance. She could Meth
err get away from Phil's love, nor i'm
pose upon an innocent party for the
sake of punishment.
On this evening she had rejected all
escorts and chaperones, choosing rath-
err to be driven TO the reception in her
fathers carriage, that she might re-
! turn at h4r pleasure.
When Philip Marston passed the
ordeal of the reception line, Natalie
set the temperament of the evening
with the tips OF her icy fingers and a
zero nod, which lowered the mercury
in Phil's heart several degrees below
the freezing point During the even
ing he tried by all manner of means
to get few moments alone with her,
but was eyaded at every point. His
name failed to appear on her dance
program, and 1t was only in the waltz
circle that they finally met, when n
stiffness crept into Natalie's heart she
dare not interpret, while Phils palpit-
ated with speeches. Joy.
At last, disheartened with the
meagre results Of the evening, Phil
decided to give up the chase and go
home
A load was on his heart as he slow
~, and dstractedly assembled the long
winding stairs to the hat-room.
"She doesn't love me- he thought,
and, all unconsciously wandered aim
lessly into the ladies cloak room, and
to his amazement, came face to face
with the subject of his thoughts.
How dare you follow me hcre?" ex-
claimed Natalie, her eyes flaming with
anger.
But Phil, humbled with his years
experience, and the false position he
had accidentally thrust upon himself,
said
81 didn't follow you. II Is all a
mistake. But, now that am here, |
shall stay, at least long enough to
compel you to hear what Sss to say.
Natalie" he continued tenderly,
taking a step toward her, 81 have
tried this whole evening to have
word with you. You have purposely
avoided me. Now / must know, will
know before leave this room if there
is any hope left for me?"
Whether from anger, or the deep
sincerity which rang in Phils voice.
she never knew, she was speeches.,
and he, encouraged by her silence,
Continued
81 have not forgotten the manner
in which ! attacked you a year ago
tonight. But ! am sorry for it, and
have wanted to tell you ever since
But you did not give me the opportun-
ity, you left so early in the morning
Then | wrote to you. and you re-
turned my letter unopened, Perhaps I
deserved it, Natalie, but have suffer-
cd more than l can tell"
How about Mr.. Thornhill?" asked
Natalie, with cold security in her
voice
Phil WINGED, but said
81 appologized to him long ago. He
is a worthy fellow. But Natalie" he
continued, us 1t possible you have
taken the course you have with me
simply because l objected to his hav-
ing been made a member Of the Apollo
club?"
mo-" replied Natalie that was
small matter, compared to the dis
covery / made, You insulted me with
your jealousy. made up my mind,
then and there, I'd never marry any
man to have my life perverted by his
distorted imagination, Because you
didn't like Mr.. Thornhill was that any
reason why should insult him? You
placed me in a position where | had
to be courteous to everybody. If your
love wouldn't hold through that,
didn't consider 1t worthy to be called
by that name"
What you say is true Natalie. And
am not trying to defend myself
But, now that / am here, ! want to
make an honest and open confession
to you, You will be content with moth
ing less
1T wasn't because Thornhill was
made a member of the club. 1t was
because / saw you awakening in his
heart feeling stronger than that Of
admiration. knew all the time that
he WAS a worthy fellow. and imagined