Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1904-05-14

batting her lips with one of her myers
to discourage a yawn.
Didn't you?' qucried Mary limo
Gently Perhaps I never did mention
H." Then at the sound of footsteps on
the gravel she added rather hurriedly.
Don't lay il up against the poor fel-
low. though"
Two dark figures We're approaching
from the foot of the lawn. III Con
stance jumped mt the conclusion that
Douglas Stane was II widower just be-
cause she had said. Tell that Ia Doug
las Stane when he asks you.' it was
her own fault.
Meantime that young laly's greeting
to Mr.. Stanc was Il trtle stiff. but no
one but her tormenting cousin notice,
H. The gentleman himself seemed ut
terly. unconscious lie had determined
to learn his fate. AMI in the grip of
escaped his notice.
Miss Singleton seemed h"nt upon aid
ing him. for she and her iiance We're
lost TO sight around Il bend of the road
Stane Hoo hooed"' after the manner
of the cottagers In the neighborhood,
but no answer came back.
Deserted lis already" he laughed.
his voice II little shaken by the great
question that trcmblcd on his lips.
Lets hurry and catch up with
them" suggested his companion.
How extremely unfiattering!" came
his answer. Il WIS just longing to
have you all To myself
He tried to speak lightly. but eager
ness vibratei in his voice. They had
emerged from the grove and stood ut
the edge of the rocks.
My dear. dear love-" He took both
of the small hands in his own and
stood looking down nj her. struggling
TO speak calmly.
You know you must know" he
went on eagerly. that you are the only
woman on earth To me. How I've
lived all these years without you do
not know. | cant face life without
you any longer. never knew what
II was To live until ! met you.'
A quick change came over Con
stances face: even In the dim light
he saw II and wondered. and she
wrenched her hands away.
"For shame she said holly. For
shame. DO you think any woman will
love you better for ignoring her-that
other the one who In other years was
all the world To you:"
She stopped. unable to go further.
because the tears were choking her.
A look of blank amaZement over
spread stances face. and lie stared ut
her with eyes that were concentrate
ed Interrogation.
"Oh. II seems 10 me- she went on
passionately. that II were man
enough TO marry her. and she had
died. I'd he little bit true TO her
memory. II | wanted care. compan-
ionship. whatever II is that men re-
marry for. Id say so. instead of pre-
tending that had never really loved
before
Had she Deem less wrought up by
that during this TRADE several express
sions fiuttered like shadows across her
lovers face. AstOnishment gave way
to understanding. and that in turn 10
a grim determination.
Il see" he said slowly. hut In "A
voice whose ring made her look up ut
him with the conviction that lie was
no longer a suppliant for her favor.
You reject my love because"
because you have been married he
fore" she finished stubbornly.
Jealous of II dead woman he
unused. looking nj her through eyes
narrowed TO a mere slit ".Ah. me-
Then. as II the episode We're closed.
he asked quietly shall We return to
| the house,"
She felt suddenly terrified. hereft.
She had expected something very diff
ferent- expostulation self justifica-
ton. mighty struggle was going on
within her. But above the din Of con
tending feelings she heard one clear
cry. Il love him, love him" and
she held out her hands ms beseechin.ly
as n child.
You poor. silly little girl he
whispered i'm voice az great content
as he swept her up In his arms. "Who
ever told you that absurd tale: Put
T've' proved tn you that you would
have loved me even IL I had been"