The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1906-05-08

Frank" she cried. How clever or
you'll When did you write them?'
Since got to know you. Don't
you recognize yourself even in my poor
words?"
I'll don't know-don't understand"
she replied. uneasily.
win you take them home with you.
Lydia?"
Yes" she murmured.
For awhile-a long while, it seemed
there was silence between them.
She broke 1t awkwardly. Il think
must be going. Mr.. Sidney" she said,
laying the manuscripts in her violin
case.
why Mr.. Sidney?"
"Oh. don't-well. then, Frank. It's
getting late, isn't it?"
Il thought you told me that your
aunt and uncle wouldn't be home till
nine o'clock tonight. LYDIA
yes; but-but was thinking OF
practicing little at home-just to feel
what 1t was like for once"
'You could go on practicing here
till you get too hungry to wait any
longer" he suggested. with smile.
mo; I'd better 60 home." she re-
piled.
well, II you insist on going. you
must take my violin with you. I'll
look after yours in the meantime
"Oh, Frank Really?o She was her.
self again. 'Will you trust me with
lit?"
"Of course. It's a dear old violin,'
he said, glancing at it affectionately,
but you're its mistress far more than
I'm its master. Take it with you,
Lydia. and have good time"
Five minutes later she was gone, and
Sidney was left with the persistent
question:
Was it the girl or her music that he
loved?
In her bedroom Lydia read and re-
read the songs that Sidney mad given
her, and as she read she smiled and
wept and asked herself if the words
could be true, He had written them
since he had known her. Oh, perfect
joy! But did he really, really mean
what he had written? oh, terrible
doubt! But. above all. she cared. Oh,
wonderful love All, but how long it
seemed till she would see him againl
Oh, dear desire! She knelt down by
her bed and hid her face.
After little, she rose and took his
violin from her case-his violin! Sho
propped up one Of his songs on her
dressing table and began to play the
melody, whispering the words, which
she had almost learned by heart.
Ter door burst open.
Uncle Amos!" she cried, and then
went speechless. For his face was ter
rifying.
"In my housei" he roared, his big,
burly frame shaking with the wrath
which he would afterward tell himself
was righteous
And then from the girls hands he
snatched the violin, dashed 1t to the
floor and. with his heavy foot. crushed
it into ruin of splinters.
Now, that is the end of your fid-
ding" he said. You stayed from
Gods house for that! Look at it, and
repent"
She did look at it, and her young
face was piteous sight. But she did
not look at her uncle.
Then, without noticing either of her
relations, s;le walked out of the room.
Lydia had but one clear idea, which
was that she must inform Frank Of
what had happened. 1t was after nine
o'clock, and nearly four miles lay be-
tween her aid Beechwood, where he
was staying; but to her in her agony
these were minor details. Poor child
that she was, she was sure he would
never forgive her; yet she felt as if
she must die if she delayed her confess
sion. So she walked quickly, and even
ran.
"Lydial Good heavens! What is
it?' She had only gone halfway when
she heard his voice, for he had been
taking night walk. with his question
still unanswered
Was it the girl or her music that he
loved?
ut is you!" she answered, family.
He peered at her face in the dark
ness.
Lydia, what is the matter? You're
like little ghost"
II was coming to tell you that did
not take care Of your violin. 1t Is
broken to pieces she said. in voice
that made him shiver.
Don't, Lydia. T."
Il will pay you for it as soon as
ever can. have a little money, and
| will make Uncle Amos give it to me.
Here are your violin-case and your
songs Now, will go"
She swayed. but he caught her in
time. He took the violin-case from
her fingers and dropped it carelessly
on the road.
Il will go now" she murmured.
But he only put his arm closer about
her. and gazed into her white face.