Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1905-01-05
whom I like-so you need have no fear
for yourself. Cousin Richard"


seeking to know the truth, and to abide
the result as a man should.
Il ask your pardon for my hasty
words" | said. But q few weeks ago
you made NE believe that my suit was
not distasteful. Now, in moment,
you cast me off for another. Have l
no excuse for sorrow and anger"
perhaps, Dick" she said softly.
Then | was conquered. | threw my
self at her feet, crying that | loved her
and would die for her, and all the
sweet mad speeches that lovers make.
But she stood quietly, and when I
found no more words (they were ever
wont to fail me- she looked down at
me and said smiling:
1.-The sun is warm, and l fear"
l sprang to my feet, for a moment
hating where l had loved. But before
1 could speak Cynthia held out her
hands to me, crying:
Nay, you misunderstood me. 1 did
but suggest that under the great oak
tree we might converse with more
with less chance of being overlooked"
Again my anger left me at her
words, and we crossed the lawn into
the cool shade Of the trees. One of
them, mighty oak, had its trunk cir
cled by wooden seat. 1t was not the
first time we had visited it.
Are you still very angry with me-
Dick?" asked Cynthia, when we were
seated. ~
How can 1 be pleased?" 1 returned
mournfully.
Then we must sit apart, not being
friends" she said, and glided round
the seat so that her back was toward
me and the trunk of the tree between
u.s.
So we sat in silence, while l ponder
ed on the riddle that was so hard to
read. Why had she come to me,
discarded and angry lover, with the
kisses of another and more favored
sutton fresh on her lips? And greater
wonder still, why did she stay with
me. and speak to me in this manner?
Either her heart was hard, and taking
pleasure in my pain, or else there was
some mystery in the matter. Yet 1
could but believe my eyes, and they
had seen her kiss him.
Presently. as no sound came from
the other side of the tree, | moved
slightly, and bent my body so that l
could see the graceful curve of her
white neck, and rosebud nesting in
her dark hair. Then suddenly she
turned her head and met my gaze.
why Go you look at me, Cousin
Richard, if you are so angry with
me? But perhaps there is hate in your
eyes. Is there hate in your eyes,
Cousin Richard?"
For answer l moved toward her, but
she held out her hands as if to push
me away.
Nay, nay" she cried, 'it is not
safe to have an angry man who hates
me too near"
You know that do not hate YOU"
l answered.
Il would see for myself. Look at me
again. DICK.
Obediently 1 turned my head and,
she doing likewise for a moment. we
gaZed into each others eyes Then
she turned from me again, and said
gravely shaking her head:
Nay l think I need have no fear.
You may come round Il little-just a
little mOre-Dick.'
And then l had the advantage. for
my arm slipped round her waist so
that she could not run away. and with
the air of master (as indeed, man
is when he holds his love in his arms
demanded that she should tell me the
answer to the riddle.
There was once she began, as If
she told some tale of the fairies, IL
poor girl who worked for her bread.
She was foster sister to one who could
have given her all she needed, but in
her pride she would have none of it.
Her only talent was in music, so she
Joined a company of musicians, and
because none but men might play with
them in public places. she donned
ma II ) AZURE. bul IL leu HeF lHlO SAD
trouble, for one day a gallant gentle
man would have slain her because she
met her sister secretly. that their
friendship might not lead to the dis
covery Of her disguise, and because
that sister kissed her.
But why did you not tell me this
bcfore:' l cried, amazed at the story.
Your words were hard last night,
deserving punishment, and l thought
Cynthia paused and looked up at
me roguishly.
"Ycs?" 1 inquired. pressing her |.
closer to my side.
81 thought that if I were to have
you for husband, I had best train
you to be a good one.'-Harold Obi |
son, in the King.
A Gratutious Protest.
A Philadelphia commercial traveller, !