Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1905-11-16

By Anna Katharine rssn 1a. %1ns ETC., se''"Asn


directed"
Startled and touched in her deepest
sensibilities she cast one wild look be.
hind her. Yes, the artist had not left
with the lawyer; he was standing
where she had last seen him, in the
deep recess Of the window.
"Oh" she demonstrated. we are
not alone"
But this Mr. Degraw knew as well
as she did
II know it." he calmly rejoined. II
urged Mr.. Degraw to accompany me.
because 1 wished him to be witness
to your decision. My devotion and this
money cannot go together, Miss Rog.
ers, but if YOU tell me to tear up this
deed" His voice sank, his large
and strong frame tremblod.
The artist saw it and trembled, too.
Would she be proof against such pas
sion? Would his own love or even
this great amount of money serve to
blind her to the noble and elevated
qualities OF this man? Yes, for the
confusion which Overwhelms her is
not that Of appreciation, and when she
speaks it is with sob Of fear and de.
probation.
ooh" she cries, Gin what position
you have placed mew
The hand which held hers softly
opened.
"No." was the kindly rcjoinder. "a
word from me will summon back Mr..
Walden. I expected to have to utter
it, 7 only wished to be perfectly frank
with you, and to make one attempt to
gain the happiness which it is every
mans right to enjoy. I have not ben.
Gifted by my effort, but I hope havo
not lost your esteem"
"Oh, no." size cried, breaking down,
''if only felt-as-as-'
II understand" he assured her
"Do not distress yourself See! have
summoned the lawyer; he is coming
back"
And almost before her tears were
dry or her trembling ceased Mr.. Wal.
den was in the room, and the papers
We're duly signed and the Signorina
Naldi, who moment before owned
nothing save what was contained in
her small trunk, stood up before these
three men the undisputed possessor of
millions.
Then, indeed, II marked change
passed over her. From impressing the
beholder with her delicacy she seemed
suddenly to have acquired breadth and
height. Even her beauty took on dig
nifty and her step character. She was
not less admirable thus, but she lost
some of the touching grace which had
won her the love Of these two strong
hearts.
The artist. who was watching her
with bated breath. now came forward
with his congratulations She received
him with a smile that seemed to tell
her hearts story, but the next moment
certain air of coquettish independ.
ence took the place of her first eager
delight and the sight made him with
draw again and take his stand by Mr..
Degraw.
Hillary! Who will tell Hilary" the
signOrina now cried. "a sight of her
dear face might persuade me that this
is not all a dream"
Instantly. the Cleveland gentleman,
with rare tact and generosity, declared
that he would go for Miss Aspinwall,
and taking the lawyer by the arm
drew him out. leaving the field to his
rival
The artist at once sprang forward,
and clasped the new-made heiress by
the hand.
"Signorina" he exclaimed, zone word
before your prosperity is known to
the world. l love you; you know that,
and | have already laid my heart at
your feet. But you We're not the mis-
trcss OF millions then, and knew no
more than | of the good fortune which
awaited you. SO do not feel that /
hold you as bound to me in the slight
est degree, because of any expression
of regard that may have escaped you.
Love that might have moved you then
may not move you now, and though |
prize you always, and ever the same,
whether you be rich or whether you
be poor, feel that it is only honorable
In me to await reply to my suit until
you have become accustomed to your
wealth, and learned the necessities or
your new position. If in six months
from now you still remember the art
st, Hamilton Degraw-"
"Ahw she interrupted, with mai
vette charmingly in keeping with her
bushes, 81 cannot wait six months.
have no home, no adviser, no protector.
Besides, why not be altogether happy
since fate has given us the opportu-
nifty"
Was II possible? What man could
resist such an appeal? He gazed upon
her with rapture, he covered her
hands with kisses; he all but took her
in his arms, but did not accept the
troth she proffered him.
81 cannot" he cried. at would be
like taking advantage Of your inexpe-
rience. Wait three months, darling,
and If then"
The entrance of Miss Aspinwall in.
terrupted him. He drew back, but his
face betrayed a joy which the noble
woman who entered could not mistake.
Pardon me-" she exclaimed, and
would have withdrawn, but the sig.
norma held out her arms.
cl,o r1rbioxnnad tcirnn na.