The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-05-21
THE OLD SWEET STORY
By Virginia F. Drake

scold me for having kept you out so late"
 with laughing goodbye Nellie turned from her, and sped quickly homeward.
 As she neared the railroad crossing, she paused a moment to allow a rapid ly approaching train to p r, and as the smoke cleared away, shv saw Her bert Dana standing in the door of the postofflce only a few yards distant. He approached her. and lifting his hat in courteous greeting, said inquiringly,
 q may come tonightT'
 Have I broken the engagement" she replid. with smile.
 "No but l saw you pass, half an. hour since with your friend, and have been in momentary expectation of a note of regrets"
 Am to infer that such was your desire?'
 Tt was not desire. but apprehen- sion."
 Then, you may dismiss your fears. Miss Lorraine will be with me several weeks, so there is no special reason for disappointing you"
 There was a gleam of content in his eyes, as he thanked her, and returned to his room to get in readiness tho music he wished to practice with Nellie that night.
 This fair noble girl was fast becom- ing all the world to Herbert Dana. Some swell. subtle magnetism drew him to her. There was an atmosphere of purity about her that caused ignoble thoughts to wither in her presence. and to awaken in his heart aspirations for higher things.
 In Owen Merediths 'Cordelia." oc- CUTS these musical lines.
 Tn ,ssyS,aoe' how watch every shade
 In thine eyes how learn every look, How the least sign thy spirit hath
 made there
 My heart reads and writes in Its
 book"
 Hebert Dana watched every change in Nellie's expressive face-noted every tone of her voice and his eyes had sometimes conveyed to hers In an elec- tric flash, what his lips had never dared to utter.
 And Nellie She had not meant to love him. At first, he was nothing almost less than nothing to her, but little by little he became to her an in- teresting study, and, as she learned to know his real character, one after another, her prejudices melted away, and now, in her secret soul she knew he was dear to her. There was an "unspoken sympathy" between them exquisite in It's sweetness.
 An, what delicious music fioated out on the summer air, that moonlit night! Hearts and voices in perfect accord. No wonder the passer by paused to listen.
 As the last notes of soft melody died away. Herbert Dana glanced to- ward the door, and observed the won derful beauty of the night.
 "Come out into the moonlight Miss Nellie. The whole earth seems Hooded with gloryl" Throwing f1eecy white wrap lightly around her she Joned him.
 In her white dress, with the moon- beams round her, she seemed indis- cribably pure and sweet to the man who loved her, and he knew this phys ical perfection was but an index to tho far higher graces of heart and mind. Her rare spiritual nature charmed him most. He had never felt less worthy of Nellie-he had never loved her more Silence fell upon them both. as they stood on the rose-covered porch.
 At last Herbert Dana spoke. His tones were low and gentle, and there was an earnest thrilling cadence about them that went straight to the heart of his listener.
 w WtIS I n SCCplSiSu -NVihiVf with kingdoms to lay at your feet, might tell you of my love with greater hopes of success, but could not love you with more entire devotion. My heart Is my only kingdom, and it has already enthroned you queen. You reign by the divine right of love. As you stand there In your innocence and beauty you are the personifcation of my highest ideal of womanhood. Knowing you as I do I cannot choose but love you. I did not mean to tell you this when came here tonight. I seem under the influence of some strange, irresistible spell Send me from you if you will, but I can never cease to love you. Can you give me the slfadow of hope that you will ever cease to love me?" He came near CT, looking Into her face with intent eyes, as if his very life hung on her answer.
 An instant she hesitated, while the bushes deepened on her cheek, then, with & tender, holy light shining In her beautiful eyes she lifted them to his and smiling brightly, although the lips were tremulous, she held out her hand. He took 1t in his own, and drawing her close, close to his heart, kissed the sweet lips reverently. He was au- swered. and yet. he craved still deeper assurance.
 My heart Is yearning to hear 1t from your lips, too. darling. Will you not say Tn words that you love me He bent his head to catch the low reply.
 with a true heart, fervently, Her bert"
 He drew her still closer. and again his lips sought hers. Then he told her of the good fortune that had come to 1 him only the day before. Of how a still higher positian had been assigned him--a place of honor and trust. He told her he was glad and inexpressl- bly, proud to know that she loved him and would have been his wife, before she knew this. He could have given her the comforts of life before. Now, its luxuries were within his grasp.
 "Ah, you proud, independent Herbert! You have left something unsaid. You are glad to owe your success to your own unaided efforts. and not to the wealth which, as your wife, I would have brought you. I dare say you have already made up your mind that you If your invention proves a success, you will not only be famous but rich. Then, perhaps, you may consent to go into some sort of moneyed copartnershlp with me, without feeling too sorely hu- initiated. You are willing to take the very best gift I have, Herbert-my wo- mans heart. Then, surely you will not hesitate to accept anything else at my hands.
 T am quite content with the first best gift. Nellie. Tt is the only treas uro seek"
 Stiu holding her in his arms, he