The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-06-19

dole eoahps.i isoi. Rnth sprang out of bed.
 MeIc3, eiieo she, turning ashy pale as she caught sight of the inky black lily. Bennet's foolish legend flashed into her mind instantly She had thought his bit of sentiment lovely vesterday but she saw it in different ugnt now. It seemed clear to her that he had used f as means to an end. He simply meant that he loved another and intended this as a way of revealing it to her. But how could the lily change It's color? This was the phenomenon that puzzled her. Ruth would have scorned the idea that she was superstitious. but she felt. neverthe- less forced to confess that this was a freak beyond her comprehension
 Though the birds warpied their love songs and the sun shone It's balmiest the day passed gloomily enough to Ruth Her nerves were upset ana she had a forboding that something unpleasant would happen She was out when the mall came in, but returning later, the sight of a white envelope lying on a tray in the hall sent a cold chill over her. She snatched it up and ran to her room in a state of nervous expectancy. With trembling fingers she tore 1t open and read:
 Miss Browning: Perhaps your lily has told you? I am soon to be married to the Italian prima donna. Nicolini.
 Forget and forgive me if you can.
 Very truly c. L. Bonnet"
 Dear God, what does it all meanP moaned Ruth My surmises were right. He really meant this when he sent the lily-ah. the lily" She shut her eyes tightly for the haunting black calla swan before them continually She buried her face in her hands, but the hateful black thing grew larger and | larger until 1t became a great towering monster: then, she felt herself perched upon one of its huge black petals, swing Ing to and fro, just ready to topple over into the vile blackness of it's depths. But a hard little line about the mouth was the only outward sign of the cruel ache within.
 Bella's visit came to a close in a few days. 1T shall expect you this fall, my love-" said Bella as she kissed Ruth goodby at the train.
 It was on the Monday after Bella came home that she met Bonnet on the street. My dear Miss Watterson, have been wishing to see you. You are an intimate friend of Miss Brownings, perhaps you can explain certain matters to me I must tell you that had every reason to believe that Miss Browning was my best friend until last Thursday, when I received a letter from her which 1 can in no wise reconcile with the opin- ion I had formed of her. She, in the coldest and harshest manner possible, and without any excuse whatever re- qrested that our relations be severed. She also wished no further correspond- ence upon the subject.
 Can it be possible" exclaimed Bella, In an ncredulous tone. Why, if l am not mistaken heard her say on Wednes- day. that she had just received letter from you"
 "Indeed, you did; at least she should have-the very incest I knew how to write"
 q must say that I do not understand Ruth's caprice" said Bella, but do assure you, MT. Bonnet, that you have my sincere sympathy and l will be glad to help you In any way I can"
 Thank you,' said Bonnet, with weak attempt to smile.
 "we will be glad to see you at Sunny Side at any time,' called Bella as they parted
 A few nights later Bonnet decided to drop in at the Wattersons. He knew that Bella sang and played beautifully; besides there was a hilartty about her , conversation that might make him for get his bitter reflections for awhile. He found Bella gowned and ready for the theatre, where she had persuaded her brother to attend her; but Bonnet gall lantly offered to take his place.
 Wasn't 1t grand?'' said Bella enthus- iastically as they were returning.
 Very good" agreed Bonnet.
 ''The last scene, where the girl and her lover finally understood each other, was heavenly; 1t gave me such queer feelings that it almost overcame me- Bella continued in a rapt manner. She looked like a goddess. and he-ah he was so handsome, so brave and strong-just ha al e,la flv nd fal the hand resting upon his arm twich nervously.
 Bonnet experienced a thrill of gratlied vanity. He glanced down. The face that looked pale in the moonlight, was dam gerously near his own. He felt her warm breath fan his checks; his head dropped lower, but suddenly he drew back. He felt surprised at his weakness, but after a critical investigation of his feelings, he came to the comfortable conclusion that 1t was only a slight admiration of the moment that he felt for Bella.
 The next night Bella was playing one of Haydon's symponies and Bonnet was lounging near her, lazily listening to the undulations of the harmony which rose and fell under Bella s caressing touch. A soft look crept into his face, and under the influence of the music, his mind re- verted to another night when ho and ftuln sat upon ner IalnerS Nefanud III the shadow of a rose vine. and these same notes famed the flame of his love and inspired noble thoughts and ambi- tions, which he breathed into Ruth's willing ears. He remembered the love light that shone in her beautiful eyes that night-it was the last night--when finally he bade her goodby.
 The melody drifted into the air of an Italian opera. Bonnet picked up book that Bellas younger sister laid down, and began idly turning the leaves. Sud- denly he caught sight of a calla lily pressed between them. An, what a pain the memory of this flower brought with 1t. He was about to pass 1t by, when thin plotting pad dropped from beneath it and he say letters fainty traced on the petals. Examining 1t more closely, these words riveted his mortified gaze:
 Miss Browning-Perhaps your lily has told you; l am to be married to the Ital- Ian prima dona, Nicolini. Forget and forgive me if you can. Very truly 70. l.. BENNETT" An angry exclamation caused Bella to turn. Seeing Bonnet with the lily she reached to snatch it. but stopped the next moment astonished at what she saw. Where did you get that?" she cried. Bonnet, who had sat almost petrihed, now found his voice. Miss Watterson, I demand an explanation" he said.
 You will have time to demand again, before you get it. snapped Bella pre- l pairing to leave the room.
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