Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1905-01-05
THREE IN A GARDEN

her, perhaps assuming more than my
position warranted, for there was as
yet no formal bond between us, only,
as 1 hoped, a complete understanding
of the future
We parted in anger, and all the
night l had tossed sleepless There
was a mystery in it 1 could not faith
ON. No words had passed between
them, and love. if it were love, had
come swiftly, with but a look to kin
die it. Once l thought it but a whim
to try my love; but to choose for the
test man Of mean birth, as this musi-
clan, that were impossible for my
proud cousin.
For a few minutes paced the lawn
with head bent and hands clasped be-
hind my back. Then the impulse
seized me to follow Cynthia, and play
the spy. That l should see nothing
that would please me l felt assured,
but l desired to know the worst. SO 1
walked swiftly to the hedge, and, find
ing no one behind it. continued my
steps to belt of trees that formed
part of the great park of which the
house and garden were the heart.
In the shadow Of the trees stood
Cynthia, and by her side the boy mu-
stefan, his fiddle lying neglected on the
ground and his hands clasping hers.
Then, as | watched, saw him kiss
her, and she returned the kiss.
| have ever been counted a man of
cool brain and quiet temper, but here
was matter far different to whis-
Ting bullet or the thunder of charging
horses. There flashed into my mind a
wild impulse to kill this STRIPPING who
stood between me and my hearts de-
sire. That the deed was unlikely to
further my wooing was an argument
that did not enter into my hot head.
1t was her name l cried as l ran to-
ward them.
"Cynthia"'
The musician drew back, but Gym
thia faced me calmly.
why, cousin, what is this? A
sword drawn before a LADY? Has the
sun added your brain?'
Il pray you to leave u.s." l said to
her. the words coming thickIy.
Your presence is not of my seek
ing" she replied, land unless Master
Herrick also wishes to be rid of
me-"
Nay, nay" stammered the youth.
I tJlpOnI To hin,
Il have matter to discuss with
you said l.
He would not meet my gaze, but
kept his eyes on the ground.
Put up your sword, then" quoth
Cynthia. Such arguments are poor
logic"
My head was cooling, and l thrust
the weapon back into its sheath.
The gentleman is evidently more
used to the bow than to the sword
said, scornfully, pointing to the violin
lying on the ground. Then l turned
ON my heel and left them.
The flowers were bright in the sum-
mer sunshine and l strobe about the
garden. All things spoke Of beauty
and happiness. and the JOY of living.
But in my mind was the picture of my
love in the arms Of another and re-
turning kiss for kiss.
Yet-the chosen lover of the Lady
Cynthia. boy, a fiddler and a cow
ard. My thoughts found utterance in
scornful words.
Tut! These women are mad GREAT
ures, and it is foolish to have aught to
do with them. There is plenty of
work for mainland Il sword-to do
in the world, and brave companions
with whom to live The fiddIers for
the women The men for the fight
and the wine cup. That is life for
me!'
Cousin Richardr'
The words came softly and sweetly
to my ears. l turned sharply and
found Cynthia standing behind me.
Her hands were clasped before her,
and her head bent-a picture of bash
full humility. a little, thought, too per-
feet to be true.
"Well?" l inquired shortly, being
not yet recovered from my anger and
scOrn of womankind.
Il have thought from your manner
or, indeed, cousin, from your want of
you are not pleased with
me-"
That left me without a word. For
none but a blind man could have been
with her as she stood there
before me in the sunlight.
ut is a sad matter when-cOusinS
she continued.
you kissed the follow" said 1,
speaking harshly, to hide the softness
of my heart.
Her humility vanished at my words.
"Why not?" she cried. What right
have you to spy on me? l will kiss