The Elbert County tribune., 1906-06-28
CHAPTER XVI.
Iheresa keeps Iroth.

Theresa Keeps Troth.
But they had reckoned without The
'resa Won Lynar. Conrad and Joan
came back from the ruined fortifica-
ton. silent mostly, but thrilled with
the thoughts of that which their eyes
had seen, their ears heard. Each had
listened to the beating of the others
heart Both knew they were beloved.
Nothing could alter that any more
forever. AS they had gone out with
Theresa watching them from the dusk
of the garden arcades, their hands
had drawn together. Eyes had sought
answering eyes at each dip Of the
path. They had listened for the finest
shades of meaning in one another's
voices. and taken courage or lost
hope from the droop of an eyelid or
the quiveY OF syllable.
Now all was changed. They knew
that which they knew.
And now Theresa Won Lynar, the
woman who had given her beauty and
her life like a little Valentines git
into the hand of the man she loved,
content that he should take or throw
away as pleased him best-Theresa
their new glory of renunclation
thought that lhey had plumbed the
abysses of love, when as yet they
had taken no more than single
sounding in the narrow seas. She
stood looking at them as they came
toward her with sympathy that was
more than mere tolerance.
You have faced the sunshine!"
Thus she greeted them as they came
sit awhile with me in the shade.
have here bower where Maurice
loved TO play-before he left me.
None save hath entered 1t since that
day."
1t was a small. rustic, eight-sided
lodge, matched with heather, its lat
ticed windows wide open and creeper-
grown, to which Theresa led them. 1t
had been well kept; and when Joan
found herself within, sudden access
of tenderness for this lonely mother.
who had offered herself like sacri-
fee upon an altar, took possession of
her.
For about the walls was fastened a
dead child's pitiful armoury. Home
made swords of lath. arrows winged
with the cast feathers of the wood
land, crooked bows, the broken crock
cry of hundred imagined banquets-
these. and many more. were carefully
kept in place with immediate and low
ing care. Maurice would be back
again presently, they seemed to say.
and would take up his play just where
he left it.
There was silence in the arbor for
space, silence which no one of the
three was anxious to break. For Joan
thought of her promise, Conrad of
Joan, and Theresa OF her son. 1t was
the last who spoke.
Somehow to-day 1t is borne in upon
me that Kernsberg has fallen and that
my son is in his enemy's hands!"
Joan started to her feet. and thrust
her hands a little out in front of her
as II to ward of blow.
How can you know that?" she
cried. "Who-No; it cannot be.
Kernsberg was victualled for year.
1t was filled with brave men. My
captains are staunch. The thing is
impossible"
Theresa Won Lynar. with her eyes
on the waving foliage which alter
nately revealed and eclipsed the ruddy
globes of the apples on the orchard
trees, slowly shook her heard.
Il cannot tell you how l know" she
said, nevertheless l know. Here is
something which tells me-" She laid
her hand upon her heart. "Those who
are long alone beside the sea hear
voices and see visions"
But 1t is impossible" urged Joan.
'or, If 1t be true. why am l kept here?
I will go and die with my people"
at is my sons WILL" said Theresa