Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-02


 girl in whose fair face was reflected all the crystal of moonlit wave and sky. For the first time in this mans career, something he ardently desired seemed out of reach. Gold he had won and lost as easily-land and fame had cheaply bartered for song-a smile. But this maid, half child half woman, with at once the purity of moonbeams and rare, earthly witchery about her, had suddenly become for him the one thing worth striving for. From my love shall spring another yours for me. Is it not so?" Il do not think so, senor. I am too modest to believe in the strength of your feeling for me- It will die before mine can have birth. No, no" she commanded, as he was about to speak, q cannot listen; I-I am not ready now. I thank you for your love, if it be love-I do not know" she ended, dreamily. Then. ignoring his ardent interrup. tion: "I am not ready to hear of love II do not want it.
 Her earnest, yet matter-of-fact tone maddened him, and he blurted out: You do not want it? But there is another love that you do want-the love of spy, traitor!"
 She met his blazing eyes with @ look of cold disdain. You talk in rid dies, senor."
 "A riddle you can easily read, lady, but if you prefer, I shall construe 1t. You deny me. only to give your love to that other, the champion of bold en- terprise which counts for its success upon the dismemberment of great republic. This conspirator against the flag for which the blood spilled is scarcely dried-this brave knight-er- rant of the gaming table-this-"
 "No more, sir! Did you, then, bring me out to listen to insult of my friends For that you, traduce MT. Winslow, can no longer doubt. fear, Senor Gonzaga, that the flower which was to bear the fruit of love requited, will but ,nourish the parasite of hate"
 Calming himself quickly. Forgive me-" he pleaded, but as all is fair in love and war, so jealousy of rival is not crime. That he is successful rival makes it all the harder" E. You presume much, senor. Mr. Winslow is no mans rival where am concerned-he does not wish to be- But that he is true gentleman. and an honest man, I am as sure as that this water runs"
 There was pause, while he took up the oars. Shall row back to shore?" he asked, humbly.
 "If you please; we have been drift. ing away"
 And drifting apart, lady?"
 She was silent.
 You are cruel-you will forgive me? Much should be forgiven love like mine."
 His voice was yearning whisper, and he bent low to reach her ear.
 She smiled faintly: q am only too ready to forgive-we shall be friends again-on one condition"
 Name it," he demanded.
 Her manner had resumed some of It's archness, her voice its gayety, as she said: Never speak again of that Hower-let 1t die"
 b ..,It will never die," he declared. huskily. "1ts perfume shall abide with you-its fragrance enwrap you like garment But shall not speak of it again; not until you are quite ready to listen."
 CHAPTER XII.
 Against the current Gonzaga rowed, with many a backward glance. Into the stars loomed cypress and willow, bordering as with badge of mourn. ing the land on either side.
 Soon the lights of the settlement struggled into view, and. brighter than the others, long hospitable rays shot from the tavern close to the waters side. Here the Spaniard moored his -&x vn..A