The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1906-06-15

has given you careful Selection.
There were no years of storm and
poverty, of violent passions; and if
have truly loved, it has been you. only
you. You are too wise and worldly
to love any one but yourself. And yet,
once you stood on the precipice of dark
eyes, pale skin, and melancholy
wrinkles. And even now, if he we're
to speak Enough! Enough OF
this folly. I have something to ac-
complish tonight" She glided from
the boudoir into the small but luxuri-
GUS drawing-room which had often
been graced by the most notable men
and women In the country.
Karloff threw aside the book of
poems by De Banville, rose, and went
forward to meet her.
Madam, blending and brushing
her hand with his lips, Madam, you
grow handsomer every day. If were
40, now, should fear for your single
blessedness."
cor, if l we're two-and-twenty, in
stead of eight-aDd-thirty, "-beginning
to draw on her long white gloves.
There was a challenge in her smile.
well, yes; if you we're two-and-
twenty"
There was a time not long ago."
she said, drawing his gaze as magnet
draws a needle, when the disparity
in years was of no matter"
The count laughed. THAT was three
years ago; and if my memory serves
me, you smiled"
Perhaps was first to smile; that
is ALL"
81 observe a mental reservation, -
owlishly.
& will put it plainly, then. l pre-
ferred to smile over your protestations
rather than see you laugh over the
possibility and the folly of my loving
YOU"
Then it was possible? with inter-
est
Everything is possible and
often absurd"
"How do you know that l was not
truly in love with you?'-narrowing
his eyes"
ut is not explanatory; it can be
given only one name-instinct, which
developed than in man. Besides, at
that time you had not learned all about
Colonel Annesley, whose guests we are
to be this evening. Whoever would
have imagined Karloff accepting the
of an Annesley? Count
hath not thy rose a canker?"
Madam" Karloff was frowning.
Count, you look like paladin when
you scowl; but scowling never induces
but wrinkles. That is why
we women frown so seldom. We smile.
But let us return to your query. Sup
posing had accepted your declarations
seriously: supposing you had offered |
me marriage in that burst of gratitude: |
l had committed the folly |
of becoming countess, what posi-
ton l should be in to-day"
81 do not understand, "-perplexedly. |
"No?"-shrugging. She held forth
gloved arm. Have you forgotten how
CALAMITY you used to button my
gloves?"
a thousand pardons! My mind was
occupied with the mystery of your
long supposition. He took the arm
and proceeded to slip the
pearl buttons through their holes.
(Eave you ever buttoned the gloves
Of handsome woman? | have. And
here is a subtitle thrill about the pro-
ceeding which | can not quite define.
Perhaps it is the nearness of physical
beauty perhaps it is the delicate scent
Of flowers; perhaps it is the touch
If the COOL firm flesh; perhaps it is
ust romance.) Tho gaze which she
1ent upon his dark head was emotion
H.; yet there was not the slightest
remor of arm or fingers. 1t is posi-
Die that she desired him to observe the
Iteadipess of her nerves. What did
you mean?" he asked.
what did l meaD?"-vagusly. Her
bought had been elsewhere.
"By that supposition."
ooh, l mean that my position, had !
married you, would have been rather
to-day" She extended the
'ther arm. "You are in love-"
"In love?" He looked up quickly.
Decidedly; and | had always
oubted your capacity for that senti-
nent."
"And pray tell me, with whom l am
q lover"
Come, Count, you and know each
theF too well to waste time in beating
bout the bushes. do not blame You '
or loving her; only, say, it must +
OF be"
Must not be-" The counts voice t
ose a key.
Yes, must not be- You must give
hem uD-the idea and the girl What