Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1907-02-28
MILE. zOE'S
LAST CIRCUS TOUR

fhahc'chdfmtr hoticed, but what OF
hatg Mile. Zoe had lover In every
own that the circus reached. Il was
lut natural that men should run after
Vile. Zoe, for wasn't she so radiantly
beautiful that she could shine with
iat much polish OF cosmetics? The
act OF Mile. Zoe's having the lover
vas no surprise to the snake-charm.
sr, but the fact OF her encouraging
him. Other men less susceptible than
Ralph Patterson lost their hearts at
sight OF Mile. Zoe.
Now the circus was at Montgomery,
but Ralph Patterson. being no lageard
in love. had followed Mile. Zoe there.
lie sat now In her dressing apart.
ment, his eyes on her mobile face.
You ask me 10 marry you." she
said, sweeping her golden pompadour
from her white forehead. do you
realize what that means? There is
little virtue on the stage. there is less
In the circus. Innocent eyes cannot
endure the glare OF the footllghts
from behind; innocent heads cannot
dwell under the circus canvas. And
beauty, bah. Soil doves wings,
and prefer crow TO her"
You are young to talk that way"
he argued.
Yes. ! am young" There was a
touch OF bitterness in her rich voice
Bun despite my years. man had
as well marry my pet tigress, Lady
Belle. as me-"
You can leave the circus"
Il had intended to do so before
saw you. This is my last season as
iion-tamer; intend TO so on the
| stage"
why not leave both and be my
wife? am not rich. but can offer
| sou mans strong love. will work
for you"
rs a mans love strong? doubt
H." Her dark eyes were cold as she
locked into his soft blue orbs. Per
haps you have said to other women
what you are saying TO me-"
Marry me, and let me prove my
love His handsome face looked in
nocent as a boys.
"You must wait for your answer"
She glanced at her watch and arose
as a sign of dismissal. Il must per-
form"
rs there in this world today man
whom | could love-a man worthy of
a womans love?"
Mile. Zoe moaned these words pit
eously into the ear of her pet tigress.
Fierce Lady Belle quailed before the
fierce fire In the eyes Of her mis-
tress.
Mile. Zoe must be going to intro
duce a new act commented the
snake-charmer. laying some blood on
her cheeks with her own cunning
hand. Il saw her teaching Lady Belle
to tear a stuffed figure to pieces-a
mans figure with a straw hat on the
head; ii made my flesh creep all over.
don't see how any man can love a
lion-tamer."
The circus had remained three days
at Montgomery: now II was to leave,
Ralph Patterson was again in Mile
IZoe's dressing apartment, pleading his
love, and devouring her beauty with
his liquid blue eyes.
| "You complain that keep you In
suspense she said. waving away his
caress with the gesture OF queen
l'.You shall have my answer directly
II ask more from my husband than
4 can give him. He must be q man to
whom can look up, man without
past. l am young enough to begin
all over again, II the right man helps
me. Do you meet my demand?'
The question was abrupt; but Pat
lterson looked as innocent. as boyisf
| az ever, although man Of 80. Hii
face seemed an open book-"c conscious
| OF no wrong doing, no crime to pale
| at remembered"
AFTER all. the game may not b
worth the candle" went on Mile. Zoe
lin a dispassionate tone. You ma,
lind. Ralph. the gold you prize turr
| to lead, when the merciless daylight
! Of married life falls upon It vii
! you run the risk?"
"Yes"-fiercely.
How you must love me- she said
coolly.
For answer he pressed a passion
: ate kiss upon her lips. She received
lit in a matter-offact way that woult
have chilled another man.
Some people believe a sin that's
hidden's half forgiven she said
with negligent ease Of manner; blu
there are few things hidden in THU
world; SO many of our dead and bur
lied sins resurrect and stand to ties
Itify against us. What a pity!'
q No change in Pattersons face. HI
, was thinking how much Of the pas
sionate rose this nun-like lily had II
!: her nature.
II must tell you a story, Ralph
. Seven years ago, In coal mine town
mot far from here, there lived littl
girl. pretty with moonbeanl prettl
ness. She trusted everyone. becaus
she was good. She trusted once t
her sorrow--a man. He wooed ne