The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1906-12-14


seen coming from the castle toward
the cetlarS. She walked bravely. hut
aimlesSly. That was plain To be seen
1t was evident that she was and was
not looking for some one BaldoS OBJ
served with thrill of delight that a
certain red feather stood up defiantly
from the band OF her sailor hat. he
liked the way her dark blue walking
skirt swished in harmony with her
1.-THE, firm strides
She was quite near before he advanc-
Cd from his place among the trees. BE
did not expect her TO exhibit surprise
or confusion. and he was not disap-
pointed. She was as cool as brisk
spring morning. He did not offer his
hand, but. with a. Ane smile Of con-
tentnlent, bowed low and with mock
Bervility.
81 report for duty, your bighness. Z"
he said She caught the ring Of glad
ness in his voice.
Then command you to shake hands
with me" she said brightly. "You have
been away, believer with a delicious
infection.
Yes. for century or more, I'm
sure" Constraint fell upon them sud-
denly. The hour had come for a def
mite understanding, and both were con-
quered by its Importance. For the first
time in his life he knew the meaning
Of diffidence. 1t came over him as he
looked helplessly into the clear, gray.
earnest eyes, Il love you for wearing
that red feather" he said simply.
"And ] loved you for wearing it."
she answered, her voice soft and thrill
ing. He caught his breath joyously.
Beverly" as he bent over her. "you
are my very life. my
Don't, Paul." she whispered. draw
ing away, with an embarrassed glance
about the park. There were people to
be seen on all sides, but he had forgot
ten them. He thought only of the girl
who ruled his heart Seeing the pain
In his face, she hastily, even blushing-
", said 1T is so public. dear"
He Strengthened himself with soldier
~ precision but his voice trembled as
he tried to speak calmly In defiance to
his eyes. There is the grotto-see! It
Is seclusion itself Will you come with
me? l must tell you all that is in my
heart. 1t viii burst If l do not"
Slowly they made their way to the
fairy grotto deep In the thicket of
trees. 1t was Yetive's favorite dream
Ing place. Dark and cool and musical
with the ripping of waters, 1t was an
IDEAL retreat. She dropped upon the
rustic bench that stood against the
moss covered wall Of powders. With
the gentle reserve of man who re-
veres as we'll as loves, Baldos stood
above her. He waited, and she under.
stood. How unlike most impatient
overs he was!
You may sit beside me-" she said.
with a wistful smile of acknowledge
nent. AS he flung himself into the
'eat his hand eagerly sought hers, his
.ourtly reserve gone to the winds.
Beverly, dearest one, you never can
Know how much love you," he whis- |
)ered into her ear. at is a deathless |
owe, unconquerable, unalterable. 1t is
n my blood to love forever Listen to |
ne, dear one come of a race whose |
owe Is hot and enduring. Ny people |
rom time immemorial have loved as |
10 other people have loved They have |
Tiled and slaughtered for the sake
# the glorious passion. Love is the
eligion of my people You must. you
hall believe me when say that / will |
owe you better than my soul so long
g that soul exists. / loved you the
ay met you. 1t has been worship
ince that time"
His passion carried her resistlessly
way as the great waves sweep the
eek of ship at sea. She was out in
ne ocean of love. far from all else
hat was dear to her far from all har-
ors save the mysterious one to which
Is passion was plotting her through
torn of emotion.
II have longed so to hold you In my
rms. Beverly. Even when you were
and l lay In the hospital at
Ianlook my fevered arms hungered
or you. There never has been a mo-
tent that my heart has not been reach
" out In search of yours. You have
lorified me, dearest. by the promise
on made week ago. know that
on will not renounce that precious
ledge. 1t is in your eyes now-the
7es l shah worship to the end Of eter-
Ity. Tell me. though. with your own
pa, your own voice, that you will be
y wife. mine b hold forever"
For answer she placed her arms
bout his neck and buried her face
yainst his shoulder. There were tears 1
her gray eyes and there was SOD G
her throat. He held her close to his Z
-east for an eternity. 1t seemed to ,
9TH, neither giving voice to the song
cir hearts were singing. There was
} other world than the fairy grotto.
Sweetheart, I am asking you to q
axe great sacrifice" be said at last. 7
s voice hoarse but tender. She Loo, | {
up into his face serenely. Can r
~ give up the joys. the wealth. the ,
fnPfO Of hak 4