The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1904-04-06

circle that they finally met, when q
stiffness crept into Natalie's heart she
dare not interpret, while Phil's palpit-
ated with speechless 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
ly, and distractedly 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 here?" 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
Il didn't follow you. II is all
mistake. But, now that | am here, /
shall stay, at least long enough to
compel you to hear what have TO say.
Natalie" he continued tenderly,
taking step toward her, II have
tried this whole evening to have
word with you. You have purposely
avoided me- Now must know, | will
know before leave this room II there
is any hope left for me?"
Whether from anger, or the deep
sincerity which rang in Phils voice,
she never knew, she was speechless,
and he. encouraged by her silence,
continued
Il have not forgotten the manner
in which | attacked you a year ago
tonight But | am sorry for 1t, 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 l wrote to you, and you re-
turned my letter unopened. Perhaps I
deserved 1t, Natalie, but have suffer-
ed more than | can tell"
How about Mr.. Thornhill?" asked
Natalie, with cold security in her
voice.
Phil WINGED, but said
Il appologized to him long ago. He
is worthy fellow. But Natalie" he
continued, is 1t possible you have
taken the course you have with me
simply because l objected to ais hav-
ing been made member of the Apollo
club?"
moi" replied Natalie. that was q
small matter, compared to the dis
covery I made. You insulted me with
your jealousy. I 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 l should insult him? You
placed me in a position where l had
to be courteous to everybody. II 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
I am not trying to defend myself.
But, now that am here, l 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. II was
because ! saw you awakening in his
heart feeling stronger than that OF
admiration. | knew all the time that
he was worthy fellow, and imagined
you were comparing us and thought
so, too. This aroused my jealousy.
The rest you already know. But Ma
talie," he said, taking step nearer to
her, 'is 1t not my first offence? 1t
was phase of character as new to me
as to you. hate it more than you
possibly can. For, by. shaking your
confidence in me, it has destroyed my
happiness. determined while you
were away would overcome II. And
such a course Of training have put
myself through know you are bound
TO respect. If this were not so, do
you think I could make this humble
confession that do?"
Natalie was silent. Encouraged by
this federation, Phil continued, his
voice trembling with emotion
Through it all, Natalie, have loved
you, and shall continue to love you as
long as live. The hope Of being re-
installed in your confidence and love
is the guidance of my life. Natalie,
II seems years-ages-since we quar-
relied Tonight it seems as If could
not live another moment without you"
Still Natalie did not speak. Then
Phil came closer, and holding out both
hands said
Natalie, darling, can you not for
give me?"
Gradually Natalies assumed dignity
began 70 subside. AS Phil proceeded
she bent her head low, and still lower.
Her eyes seemed closed under the
droop of the long lashes. Phil guessed
her thoughts. He sprang to her side
She gave a quick start and her butter
fly bow, fiuttered to the floor. Both
stopped 10 pick 1t up. Natalies hand
clutched it first then Phil's strong
palm closed firmly over it.
Hurried footsteps and merry voices
II