The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1906-03-29

words to the accompaniment of the
violins; first one voice, then another
caught up the refrain. with all my
heart, with all my heart" echoed
through the crowded rooms.
THAT is It," he said simply With
all my heart that is how | love you
with all my heart "
Don't say anything more said the
girl almost passionately. Don't The
more you say now the worse it will be
for me by and by when | have to
think. And-and-it is all quite I'M
possible"
But why. DEAR" He had grown a
little pale in his turn and regarded her
ruefully.
"Why is it impossible?' His mind
rushed backward with a lightning
stroke to the rumors that had come
from Bar Harbor in the summer time.
In one quick flash he understood.
ut is Morton" he said bitterly.
81 have promised to marry him. she
returned in low tone-so low that he
had to bend to hear 1t. DO not be
angry with me. | thought did not
know
light broke over his dsmay. You
mean-you could care-you do care-a
little2' he questioned eagerly.
She picked up a spoon and twisted ii
nervously In her fingers. That does
not matter she said grsvely, because
l have given my word"
But you will break that wretched
promise?"
He looked steadily at her and she
returned the gaze as steadily. No"
she said very sweetly and gravely; Il
cannot break my word. He depends
Vn me utterly. He has no thought ex-
cept for my happiness. He is SO good.
He has never cared for any other wo-
man If | should desert him it would
break his heart"
Gordon leaned forward, his elbows
on the table. his face between his
hands. and regarded her with hurt,
miserable eyes
And you prefer to break mne,' he
said gloomily
Il have promised" repeated Molly
quietly. with little wan attempt at
smile
How does it happen that l am al
lowed to have you for even these few
hours" be went on moodily.
He is away on business" Molly an
swered, her eyes intent upon the ad-
joining room Il told him you were
coming over from Philadelphia, and he
said he was sorry not to see you-that
he must be away"
Gordon sat buried in unhappy rev
erie
DO look at that girl just sitting
down at the table by the door" ex-
claimed Molly suddenly Did you
ever see such a hat? There must be
a special kind of bird to grow such
stupendous plumes."
Gordon turned "She completely
overshadows her companion he said,
with forced interest.
The newcomer settled herself in her
chair and moved the amazing hat to
one side.
by Joye| exclaimed Gordon, with
a low whistle.
He glanced quickly at Molly. Two
red spots like danger signals burned
on either cheek; her wrathful eyes were
fastened on the girls companion, He
looked up. their eyes met. and Molly
stared at him with no hint of recognl-
ton. He half rose to his feet; then a
hot wave of color suffused his face as
he turned snllenly to his companion.
Amazement Indignation. relief, chas
ed themselves in quick succession over
Molly's face She met Gordon's eyes,
and her own fell before their message.
The strains Of the vioins died softly
away; the crowd thrilled with enthusi-
asm. Encore encorer they cried.
and again the gay little French song
echoed through the rooms. with all
my heart" swung the refrain.
Gordon leaned over the table. Say
it." he whispered.
The delicate color dyed her cheeks
crimson he bent nearer.
with all my heart" she whispered.