Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-10

expectancy; then my eyes fell upon Mrs
Minor comfortably seated In an armchair
before the fire. and realized that she was
present to restrain me from forgetfulness.
But in very truth my lady hardly needed
such protection-her speech her manner,
her proud constraint told me at once most
plainly that no existing tie between US had
caused our meeting.
Captain Wayne" she said softly her
high color alone giving evidence of any
memory of the past II scarcely thought
that we should meet again, yet was not
willing to part with you under any misun-
derstanding. l have learned from Lieuten-
ant Cation the full particulars of your ac-
ton in connection with Major Brennan. I
wish you to realize that / appreciate your
efforts to escape hostile meeting, and es-
TEEN you most highly for your forbearance
on the field. 1t was indeed a noble proof
of true courage. May / ask, why did you
fire in the ar?''
Had she not held me so away from her
by her manner / should have then and
there told her all the truth. AS 1t was 1
burst not.
II felt convinced that If my bullet reached
Major Brennan it would injure you. / pre-
ferred not to do that"
She bowed gravely, while kinder look,
II L may use that expression, seemed to
dominate her face.
i believe 1t was for my sake you made
the sacrifice" She paused; then asked IN
yet lower tones: WAS my name mentioned
during your contention-I mean publicly?'
Trained because of the reason ! have al
ready given you "
Your wound is not serious?'
Too Insignificant to be worthy OF men,
ton"
She was silent. her eyes upon the carpet,
her bosom rising and falling with the emo
ton she sought in vain to suppress
Il thank you for coming to me-" she said
hnaily. Il snail understand IL all better.
| comprehend your motive better, for this
brief talk. Whatever you may think of me
| in the future" and she held out her hand
with something of the old frankness In the
| for single kindness you have shown me.
l have not fully understood you Captain
Wayne; indeed, l doubt If i do even now.
yet / am under great obligations, which I
hope some day to be able to requite, at
least In part
"a thousand times they are already paid"
/ exclaimed eagerly, forgetting for the mo-
ment the presence of her silent chaperon.
You have given me that which is more
than life"
DO not, Captain Wayne she interrupt
ed her cheeks afiame Il would rather
forget. Please do not; / did not send to
you for that, only to tell you / knew and
understood. We must part now. VIII you
| say good-bye?'
IF you bid me, yes. will say goodbye"
l answered, my own self-control brought
| back instantly by her words and manner.
| but L retain that which do not mean to
forget-your gracious words of invitation
| to the north
She stood with parted lips, as though she
struggled to force back that which should
not be uttered. Then she whispered
swiftly:
1T is not my wish that you should"
Was there ever such another paradox OF
a woman L knew not how to read her
Alright, for | scarce ever found her twice
the same Which represented the truth
of her character-her cool dignity her i'm
! petuous pride, or that gentle tenderness
which befitted her SO well. Which was the
armor, which the heart of this fair lady OF
the north?
AS we rode down the path to the east
ward a snowy handkerchief futtered for
an instant at the library window. 1 raised
my hat in silent greeting, and we were
gone
CTo be continued tomorrow