Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-18
HIS FATAL
 DELAY 4 4 By HAROLD oHLscN

TT HE poet, his fur-lined oyercoat
 buttoned over his chest, boldly faced the bitter wind that blew in from the sea. Half of a dark-red sun was hidden in the murk of winter sky; the cold was intense, but Gerald was filled with a fine elation as he gazed over the waste of gray water. For the moment he felt as a monarch over. looking his kingdom; he was confident of viking ancestors; he knew Christine was watching him; he hoped his nose was not red. u ts
 Christine had explained to him that the car had been stopped on. the cliff in order that MT. Nnducane might crawl under it and hit 1t with ham mer. She added that 1t seemed to her a mean thing to do But while Gerald perfected an attitude she was urging the mechanic to hit harder: the situa- ton was exposed. In spite, however. of her encouragement and advice. it was a considerable time before he cheerful countenance of. MT. Finducane appeared, to announce that he thought sne'd do now" The de- scendant of the vikings was glad to tuck his legs under the wraps and find the distance that separated him from a comfortable lire lessening.
 Gerald, coming on a visit to the Hartoyers. had been met at the station by the pride and hope of that family (so Christine described herself) and her cousin. Bob Finducane. They had whirled the unhappy poet, something of hothouse plant, many miles over . frozen country, in order, as they ex- plained, that he might acquire an ap. petite for his dinner.
 All the previous acquaintance he had enjoyed with Christine had gone to show him that she was the only wom- an in the world whom he could rely on to make him happy. It was his great purpose to live surrounded by objects of beauty; his flat in town was a feast for the eye. And Christine dainty, graceful, laughing Christine would be strictly in keeping with his furniture.
 After dinner Gerald succeeded in isolating Christine and. himself and deep gloom settled on Bob Finducane. He could not understand how Chris tine tolerated the fellow-"a miser- able sort of chap" was Bobs opinion.
 Christine is getting very friendly with the celebrated poet" he re- marked to Mir. Hartover.
 "Yes."
 "He talked awful rot at dinner" continued Bob, as if seeking the secret of the poets charm Said the fret and hurry of the present day-I won- der if the car suggested it?-said it was ruining society,""
 Society likes being ruined" said MT. Hartover. cheerfully.
 For himself. he said. he liked soli. tude and peace. A quiet cavern in some distant hillside. was-was his ticket. r say. wish he'd got one"
 It was on the third day, and in the dusk of the afternoon. that Gerald and Christine happened to be alone to- gether in the drawing-room, watching the flame of a great fire leap and flicker, casting so cheerful Night into the room that Christine had stoutly opposed the designs of servant who had entered with matches. e
 For. once Gerald had forgotten the value, of words-his words-and had sat in silence for some time medita. lively considering the teacup in his hands. It was Christine who spoke first.
 "I believe we have both been dreaming" she said.
 Dreams are the wings that bear u. to the pleasant lands. to the castlei and fairy palaces" said the poet. "Or to your cave?" asked Christine
 "No; I was dreaming of a beautiful house, with bright flowers and old trees round 1t; with the sunlight streaming through great windows giving life and youth to the fancies o dead painters on the walls; a hous. filled with the treasures that art give, to her servants. and with. above all-' Gerald hesitated. for once at loss fol some effective suggestion.
 , Christine, serenely obtuse, suggested the roof.
 i "No." said Gerald. putting down. hil teacup and smiling faintly, some one to pour out the tea"
 The fire had sobered to . .brigh glow: in the shadow Christine sat mo tionIess. Gerald recognized an advan tage and was preparing to go into th' matter more thoroughly when the doc was opened. -+-- ff
 "what. all in the dark!" came fl cheerful tones from the doorway. '
 Mother" cried Christine. jumpini up. We did not expect you until to morrow" s I
 Mrs. Harsover had not noticed Geral' in the darkness and for . momen I Christine. a little anxious about tn situation. hesitated to introduce him ! A flood of light fell on the tv' through the open door. Gerald stoo sn the shadow. rigid, his hands grii ping a chair back. staring wide-eye ss ct q ghost.
 He vas watching Christineis mothel
 And all that evening be was er veloped in a dark cloud of silen meditation. He seemed to avoi Christine. and when he. parted frol Mir. Hartoyer for the night told hii that he vas very sorry that circuu stances compelled him to bring hi visit to a close on the following day.