The San Angelo press. (San Angelo, Tex.) 1897-1907, 1905-05-18


oak. Every afternoon he hurried to
the tree and watched eagerly for o
glimpse OF the white frock. Everlast
ing seemed the days in which she did
not appear. Yet still she remained as
elusive as tantalizing and as charm.
Ing. Did these days mean anything to
, her? lie hardly dared hope for 1t, and
yet
/ II she would only come once in the
evening, then he might indeed believe
himself more than mere aCquaint.
ance. But ut his suggestion there she
I only laughed
| And then ut last, when all the world
/ lay white and dreamy beneath the
/ moonshine, she came, stepping daintily
| across the dewy grass. At sight Of
her Maxwell drew a long breath.
"Ah. moon Of my delight that knows
no wane." he breathed. The girls gaze
wandered past him to where the waves
| danced In shimmcring ripples under
! the soft radiance. and for n space the
spell Of the night laid its hush upon
| them Maxwell leaned toward the bar
| riCr.
"Do you smell the honcysucklef" lie
murmurcd. The girl shivercd.
at Is almost too sweet" she answer.
ed low. "toO intense"
"1'hcn give me the spray you wear"
he begged. But as she mechanically
| held it out he drew back.
"Put it on for me" he bcsought.
81 Ia, 81. rivl
the odorOus hedge and slipped the
flower into his coat. Suddenly his
! hand closed over the fingers on his
breast. holding them so that she could
feel the pounding OF his heart. For n
! long moment the girl looked deep into
his eyes. Her heart qulckcned, and
her face showed white In the moon
light. but she drew away the hand and
managed to smile.
"The game has been very pleasant"
she said slowly. But now the end
has come aud tonight am to say good.
by"
Maxwell started. "Goodby," he
echoed stupidity. "Now, after you have
come to me. Goodby! 1t has not been
all n game" he went on, gathering
! courage. The girl put up protesting
hand.
mo. no; we were pretending, re-
member"
"There was no pretense on my side"
Maxwel's voice was steady. II love
you"
"But you can't. you mustn't. You're
not playing fair. Besides you don't
even know my name" urged the girl
in dismny. Maxwell laughed.
mot know you? | have always
known you and waited for you," he as
serted. The girl, who had glanced up
quickly, shook her head.
"You are mistaken" she murmured
81 thought ourselves just pretend
ing thought you knew the rules Of
the game. Forgive me, butt am al
ready engaged"
"Whatr The exclamation broke
sharply from Maxwell. When he went
on 1t was In an altered voice.
81 see. 1t has been my own fault
I should have played even, but | put
too much on the hazard, Double or
quits the game. and lose. Quits it Is"
with Il bitter little laugh. The girl
caught her breath.
But never dreamed that you would
take 1t like this" she faltered. "And-
and 1t was so long ago that | became
engaged. 1t Is only lately have learn
ed that he still cares. Would you care
to see my engagement ring" rather
wIstfully. Eyes, l want you to- MS
Maxwell uttered fierce protest. Tn
tying blue ribbon from her throat, she
laid it in his palm. On the ribbon
was fastened Il slender circlet of gold
twined with forgetmenots. Maxwell
looked at II with distnste.
Hence your name" he said absent.
ly, twisting the ring with unconscious
fingers. "a good message for him to
leave, but surely an unnecessary name
for you. Who would forget you, blue
eyed princess? Blue Is true. Blue is
why He broke Off abruptly, with
eyes suddenly riveted on the little ring.
For second he stared in bewilder-
ment, then glanced at the girl. Her
face was rose red in the moonlight, and
Maxwell gasped.
"Madeleine" he cried swiftly, in
creduously. Madeleine. is 1t really
you? My dear little girl sweetheart,
my first little love, who promised to
marry me when she grew up the day
/ gave her this ring? Madeleine" The
girl uttered an uncertain little laugh.
81 am Madeleine"
"And you knew me all the time"
with sudden intuition.
"Why, IL heard that you were
here" under lowered lashes. And the
book settled it, told you children had
good memories. Didn't you think me
very forward for a princess? You see,
didn't want you to know me, because
that is'-breaking off in pretty en-
barrassment. you see
II see that have been an ass" ex.
claimed Maxwell unsteadily. made,
leine," he leaned across the hedge and
tried to take her hand, but the girl
slipped back. Madeleine, CAN'T m
the ring back from this side of tie
hedge" His pulses We're racing; his
voice sounded strange in his own ears
Madeleine, may | cross the hedge"
There was moments silence, tense
vibrant, through which Maxwell caught
dlmly the distant beat of the waves
the delicate, penetrating fragrance OF
the honeysuckle Then slowly she lift
ed tender wistful eyes to his, while
her lips curved into the sweetest smile
"You may try" she said.
nan.o.. H..