Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-08

chasing a phantom, when the substance had been
within his grasp. If he had only the power take
himself back to the hour of their parting!
That parting, Strange how he recalled now
every phase of t-every word that had been spoken,
when for Years thought of it had not crossed his
brain! 1t was in the moonlight by the gate of her
fathers garden. He was to leave on the midnight
train and she had walked with him so far that their
last arewells might be spoken alone With startling
distnctness he remembered how she had leaned
against the gatepost her white dress showing family
and her wide tender eyes cleaning in the moonlight.
Even the perfume of the lilac that she had at
her breast back to him across the years as he
remembered his passionate words, his fervent prom
ises, his tender good bys. And then when his last
word had been spoken, he remembered how she had
stepped toward him, swaying slightly, until, like
snowflake she had fallen on his breast. Just for
one brief moment she had stayed there, then, whis,
from his and turned toward her home. He had
stood at the gate and watched her as she disap-
peared among the dear old trees, her white frock
And then God! if he could turn those years
back! He had almost spoken the words aloud when
he heard light step enter the room. He turned
quickly-and 10! she stood before him Not as he
remembered her. for the grlishness had gone from
her figure and the bloom of youth had faded from
her cheeks; but her eyes were the same placid eyes,
and her smile had not lost its sweetness.
She recognized him he turned, and stopped
quickly. The faint color died in her cheeks, and her
breath came slowly. So for moment they stood
in silence.
1t was she who first recovered. YOU" she said,
and came toward him with outstretched hand.
Yes" he answered simply. MS trembling hand
carrying hers to his lips.
There was another silence. Again it was she who
spoke The years have changed you,' she whis-
pered
But not you he replied; you the
you always were.
I'VE are quiet in the country" she said, with
faint smile. Little enough happens in simple
lives to change US.
You true in the country he declared, and
not wooed by false ideals.
She did not answer this and once again they found
themselves facing each other without speaking. At
last he raised both his hands and stretched them out
toward her. Mary he said.
A rush of color dyed her cheek and she fell back
step You must not" she breathed. You have
no right! 1t is cruel! OH" she continued, her voice
growing stronger, Il did not think that you would
do this though have always known that some day
YOU would come back-and feared it."
Stop" he cried. If it is possible for you to
wrong me, you wronging me now. For no mat
ter how base, how low, how vile, have BEEN this at
least is sincere love you'll!
A gesture slenced him, while the look of scoTn
upon her face stung him to the quick. DO you
think, she asked in voice that was bitter with the
sorrow of years, that do not know why you have
come here? Do YOU think do not understand?
Oh you are meaner than thought! You have
because of my nephew. Your lying protests OF
love win my influence with him, that you may
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