Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-06-12
CHAPTER VII.

JnaI sue had lett herself very little time
in which to dress for dinner.
Her thoughts were complex as she drove
along. The keen sensation of pleasure
had left her, for though she had convinc-
ed herself that Lady Charlotte absolutely
believed in Hubert's honor, she had also
convinced herself that she must not ex-
rect, TO work matters any easier because
of this.
Suddenly Antonio started and opened
her eyes almost wildly. There was a con-
used noise in her ears, a shouting, and
then scream, and after that she felt
herself rudely thrown-where, she knew
not. A sharp pain shot through her
frame, and after that all was a blank.
When she opened her eyes she found
herself the center of a small crowd, and
she realized that there had been an acct
dent.
She had been stunned for a few mo-
ments, and she found herself resting in
chair which had been hurriedly brought
out of a shop close by.
Her hat had been knocked off, and her
dress was torn. With a great effort she
rose from the chair and attempted to pick
up her hat. Then it was that she realized
she was hurt, for her small right hand
was throbbing with pain, and hung by her
side swollen and useless.
A woman instantly stepped forward to
help her, and though she was common
and rough of voice, Antonio accepted her
help.
You cannot go home by yourself,
miss" she said. IN go with you. Come
inside this doorway for a moment while
/ get a four-wheeler."
Antonio moved as she was hidden. Ev-
erything was dull and confused about her,
almost as if she were in a dream and
thep the dream went suddenly, and a
great cry broke from her lips, for her
eyes hard looked into another pair of
eyes. and her heart had recognized her
love.
Hubert Hubert !" she cried, and her
voice was full of unreasonable Joy.
The woman who was supporting her
looked across at q young man, who came
toward them-not quickly, but slowly, like
one who doubted his senses.
The young lady's had an accident.
SIR she said, at once jumping to the
conclusion that these two were well
known to each other.
At her words Hubert Tenby started. He
stretched out both hands to the girl.
"Antonia"' he said, hoarsely; sis it
you? 1t seems like a dream Speak /!
Let me hear your voice."
Antonio smiled at him braveIy and hap
PLY. She stretched out her one sound
hand to him.
1T is no dream, Hubert, dear" she
said, Il am your friend. l knew | should
see you again.. Then, conscious that the
woman beside her was looking at them
curiously, Antonio turned to her. "You
have been very kind to me-" she said. Il
don't know how to thank you; but I'm
feeling better. | will walk a little way.
This gentleman will go with me-"
All right, my dear. Perhaps the air
will do you good; though you don't look
to me as if you were fit for much, and
you had best have that hand looked to.
or else you will have some trouble with
IT."
Antonio and Hubert, with clasped
hands, moved on unconsciously. They
were both struggling against the bewilder-
ing sense OF JOY and amazement. The
man remembered the position first.
You are hurt, Antonia." he said.
There is q bruise on your forehead. 1t
must have been you who was thrown out
Of the cab as l came up--you, of all peo-
pie in the world Oh how strange life
is But come, dear, you must not stand
here. Let me take you somewhere That
woman was right. You must rest: YOU
look so white, am sure you are in pain"
you were in my thoughts so wildly.
Hubert" she said, that it seemed at
first quite natural to see you before me.
l have just come from your godmother's.
We have been talking of you all the af-
ternOon."
you must let me help you. DEAR" ne
said. See; here is a cab. Will you get
into this|'
Yes and tell him to drive, ii does not
matter where" she answered him, almost
wildly. Il am not suffering really, HUI
bert. What is pain in my wrist in such
a moment as this? You shall tie your
handkerchief tightly round it, and l will
wait till get home"
Hubert Put her gently into the four
wheel cab, told the man to drive slowly
until he had received further Instructions
Then, as they rolled away, he sat beside
her, and, taking her small, injured hand
in his, he tore his handkerchief into strips
and bound ii in careful fashion round the
bruised wrist.
His whole beine thrilled with intense
JOY. Could it possibly be true that it was
he who sat there, close to Antonio: that
they were actually together: that this
was no dream that would vanish in A
few minutes as it had vanished SO often
In the cold, silent prison cell?
why have you been so long in com
ing, HubertY' she asked in low voice
IF | had known there was heart like
yours waiting to welcome me, do Won
think l would have remained awav a
day longer lhan l could have helped >
Antonio. why did never know that you
loved met You do love me, don't you p
With mytheart, with my life, with
my soul y she answered him.
A cry broke from Hubert Tenby's lips
He approached as if to kiss her, and
Their he turned from her and buried his
face in his hands.
you must not love NEE, Antonia," he
sail, hoarsely. II am not fit for your
love. | am a diShonored, outcast man
who has neither home nor name"
You shall not say these things to me
Hubert" the girl answered him. You
know they are false, just as have known
they are false. You cannot change my
love. 1t was given TO you uncoEseiouSly
years ago when Bertha and you and |
used TO be so much together. Do you
think a womar's heart is so easily chang
edY"
He lifted his face at her words, and
bending forward. kissed her reverently
on her Inns.
Just at that awful time" he said, Il
had little story 10 tell you, Antonia
that was never told. i had dreams in my
heard, beautiful hopes of a future when
YOU would be with me-for /, too, loved
you in his same fashion that you have
loved me-"
"oh. Hubert - the girl cried. and there
was anguish in her voice. IF only you
had spoken this story If only l had
known of this all this long. weary, terri
bic time ) But l have had nothing Il
give me a\slimmer of light. Sometimes
indeed" AQtonia said, with a blush
l. 7. l.. !, -, ~,