The Cairo bulletin., 1907-12-03
TWomEN AND
A WOMAN

the very eye Ol tne sun i"h s"''i "'"~
TO late afternoon, had been thronged
with people to whom the world was a
pleasant Castle of Incidence.
The sea, which for the past week
had been as smooth and clear az on,
had been occupied by scores Of pleas
ure-boats, and rnfiied by hundreds 81
pairs. OF snowy. arms and 1.-THE young
bodies.
Now the beach was left solitary 70
answer back the amorous babbllnss
of the baby wavelets
All the light and music and laughter
of the place seemed to find center on
the sea-front, which stretched round
the horseshoe of the bay.
At the Beach hotel all the private
sitting-rooms on the first hoor MADE
fine display OF brilliant illumination
and smart toilets. In the big corner
room, where there was family OF
young girls, little dancing was go
ing on. In one room they We're play
ing cards. in another man sang
At the far end OF the ribbonlike line
If light 4 woman sat alone. She was
slender and tali with waving masses
Of rudy hair.
Hers was The only room from which
no sound came; not even sign 70
mingle with the merry discord, she
sat very statue Of silence, one hand
supporting her round chin, the othef
loosely clasping letter,
l = ID = . A
1t was that letter which had turned
her into stone: and yet 1t gave her
freedom, wealth. and the inestimaple
boon OF good mans love.
Dear Madam: We have to inform
| YOU that Mr.. Ashton died this morn
| inc early. We shall be glad to hear
| from vou when 1T will be convenient
| for Won to see us on business. Yours
truly Sparkins & Moore
II was very short, and yet Ruby
Ashton read II a score Of times before
she dropped 1t into her lap; for u was
| pregnant. with the fate Of two lives
her own and anotheF's.
And as she remembered that other,
ii was MS though intangible thought
induced real presence. A light zap
came at the door, apd she had nul
time to thrust the letter into hef
bosom before ii was opened, ana
closed again, and man walked To-
ward her.
Dreaming alone, Why, I've
been all over the hotel looking Tor
YOU. even ventured into the Fofs
fers' room one moment. Not that
really expected to find yon there
they're dancing like dervishes, and al
the men are boys, But~-are you no
we'll? is anything wrong" he asked
as he seated himself In chair facin'
her
81 His anick eve saw that she was no
dressed for company or for Inc puDh
II rooms. A tea-gown fell In full fold
/ from her throat, and both wrists an
fingers we're bare Of the splendi'
Z Jewels she generally Wore But J
{ this mans eyes saw that, his lover
ewes noted that the cordiality OF he
manner had frozen into sin con
straint and that she did not iook a
him as she curly answered that sh
; was well. but In no mood for con
pany.
: rs that hint for me to sog'
: 1T is AS you please to take T.. sh
!. said coldIy then arose. turned froi
him. and looked out toward the litti
/. Yacht floating out on the moonlit sci
@ For second he almost took Rub
4 at her word. But one glance at tn
& delicate outline OF her perfect figu'
silhouetted against the cobalt sky on
. look at the sweet ivory OF her nee
II and he pleased to take II as a hi
1 to stay.
He drew near to her, close to h
soft. clinging skirts.
so you've not gomez she sa
!. presently. but not moving.
!; NO, am here, DO You quite "a
!. get what have come for?"
IS do YOU hold me to my promise?
81 must. A week ago I asked YOU
n question. the question that man asl
a woman when he loves her. You TO
me that ! should have your answer
night"
She turned and faced him. wi
white cheeks. and eyes filled with
shed tears.
Il told you had husband. Cou
. there be any other answer from
9 married woman TO man-~hen $
= loved him."
/. "Ahy RUBY. then you do love me
= stretching forth eager hands 20 her
y ''Yes, III lllpSe iy6n, Is not =
" enough = she said sifnply' though y
a heart was leaping madly sss
N For a moment all that was passi'
70 ate in man surged and tore within
r soul. This woman. with her be~ild
"a ing golden eyes, loved him. and Il
r. him so. Why should he cast aside
N gifts the gods offered him?
"a Then he saw her face, white 70
r. lips. grave. and very sad. With
"A s,lrery draperies and mourntul eS
81 she looked like an angel who ne
. over the downfall Of man His pass
~. died within him. but the struggle
!. him III and faint. and he rsslsd as
Ne turned To leave her-ioreveT
"a PICK, Dick a soft hand clssl