The commonwealth., 1905-11-16

''If you wish II -. UarbAra. It is
fortunate that you spoke SO early, for
l had fully intended to explain it oil
to Mrs. Rivers and Lallie Forrest when
1t is almost too dusky for them to see
now.''
And, despite the prompt, gentleman
~ acquiescence to her whim, Barbara
also comprehended he would have pre-
ferred it otherwise.
when they finished their lawn ten
MIS- Mr.. Rivers had said; and when
they finished it, Mrs. Rivers and Miss
Forrest. and Duke, junior. went into
the brilliantly lighted parlor where the
old gentleman sat, and Duke went
straight to the dusky corner in the ad-
joining room-the music room, and
Mrs. Rivers morning parlor-where
Barbara sat in a low easy chair, look
ing out into the starry darkness.
Il will not intrude, Miss Stanford, -
lie said lightly and half inquiringly, as
he went up to her. so near that ne
could see her ravishingly beautiful.
face that was even more glorif1ed by
the peculiar shadowy light; and then,
catching up one of her hands that lay
like lily petal on the arm of the
chair, the selfsame hand his courtly
old grandfather had kissed scarcely an
hour before, he drew her to him-up
from the chair.
Because" he went on, in a quick.
passionate whisper that thrilled every
nerve in her frame, because I will
come toyou anyhow. Ihave been dying
OF impatience to finish what I would
have said this afternoon. Barbara!
Barbara! you must love me, you must
love me! Will you? Darling, do you ~
Beyond the hopelessness of it, the
cruelty of it, seeing that he was en-
gagged to Lallie Forrest. the speechless
ecstasy of it all surged like wave OF
light and life over her. and-in one,
just one little moment of weakness. or.
rather. of desperate. reckless longing
and heartaching for this handsome
pleader, who had no more right to
speak than she had to listen-Barbara
lifted up her face, which had that in
it that made him s:oop and kiss the
quivering crimson lips, over and over.
and held her close to his breast.
Only for one little second; and then
she broke away from him with an i'm
patient, despairing little cry.
mot What good can come Of this,
even if we love each other? Duke.
Duke Rivers, was there ever such
SRnr ~ Fn%~
other, and you are to marry Lallie
Forrest, while I am engaged to-you.
grandfather"
She fairly flung the last words at
him, and he looked as If she were
speaking random words.
What are you saying, my darling?
am to marry Miss Forrest: Perhaps
people think so, but certainly it is not
so. as the lady herself can testify.
But don't understand what you mean
by saying you are engaged 70 marry
my grandfather, Barbara"
An anguished little cry came from
her lips, and she shrank back into the
chair again.
HE asked me. and he said you
would marry Miss Forrest-and-and-
my heart almost broke. but told linn
yes. Duke: oh, for Heavens sake.
don't look at me like that! loved you
SOL love you sor'
For look of sudden disapprova:
and gravity was merging into one OF
scorn and contemptuous displeasure.
1T certainly was strange way to
manifest your love, Barbara; and, see
here. Somehow, it has-hurt me- l
couldn't think of being 4 rival of-my
grandfathers. Let US forget it ALL
And lie turned away from her. all
his feelings in a state Of revulsion for
this fair creature vino would have so
deliberately sold herself
Just then old Mr.. Rivers stepped
through the door, and went up to her,
kindly. resolutely. as one does who
feels morally obliged to discipline an
erring child.
"Nor could I dream of marrying the
woman who is in love with my grand
son. Barbara. we have all made a
great mistake. but. thank Heaven, it is
rectified in time. AS Duke said, it will
be best to forget it ALL"
Duke Rivers, however, did marry
sweet Lallie Forrest. after all, and Il
happy match they made of it.
And poor Barbara Stanford? Dc
you reserve for her censure or pity?-
New York Weekly