Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-09-17

full that do not recognize Lord Raven
spurs great kindness 70 me. But YOU see |
have no claim upon him. and If anything
happened to him tomorrow what would my
position be? l know he has large income
from his property. but that will go to his
successor some day. oh. 1 know you will
think that this is very hard and cold of
me, but there are reasons. many and ur
gent easons why it is impossible"
Vera broke off abruptly. and alter could
see that the tear. had gathered In her eyes
There was something In those eyes. too.
that caused his heart to beat trihe faster
and brought him stl'l closer to her side.
Won't you tell me what ii is?" he whis
pered. I'VE have always been such good
friends. Vera. Forgive me asking you. but
isn't this decision on your part rather a
sudden one"
''Oh. am quite prepared to admit that"
the girl said candidly. land l wish could
explain. But you would not understand
was there ever man yet who really I'M
derstood a woman The thing that you call
impulse. l know that Lord Raven
spur had his own ideas as TO my future.
"Oh. indeed Walter said drily: that is
news to me. And in what way is my uncle
interested in my welfare?'
do you mean to say he hasn't told you?
He has mentioned 1t to me at least a score
of times. You are going to marry Lady
Clara Vavasour. That much is settled
Really. now, that is very kind of
views of my own on the subject.
Lady Clara is very nee girl,
and 1 understand that she is rich, but she
does not appeal to me in the least. My dear
Vera, surely you are mistaken. Surely my
uncle must have guessed he could n I be SO
blind not to see-Vera, dearest. cannot
you understand what mean? Do you sup
pose that l could possibly have known you
all this time without-wlthout-Y You know,
1 am certain that you know"
"Oh, no. no. Vera cried; you must not
speak Ike that. cannot listen to you:
know that Lord Ravenspur has set his
heart upon this marriage. and 1t would be
the basest ingratitude on my part II but
what am / talking about?'
The girl froke off In some confusion. The
faint pink of her cheeks turned to a deeper
crimson. Her eyes were cast down; she did
not seem to realize that Walter had her
hands in his. that he had drawn her close
to his side.
Il must speak," he said husklly. Even at
the risk of your thinking the most con-
ceited man on earth. must tell you what is
uppermost In my mind now. My dear girl.
l have known you ever since you were lit
tie child. From the very first We have been
the best of friends. l have watched you
change from a girl to a woman. l have
watched your mind expanding. and grad
ually l have come to know that you are the
one girl in the world for me. have not
spoken like this before. because there seem
ed to be need to do so. Everything was
natural there did not appear to be any
other end to a love like mine. But If have
Deen wrong. ana III you tell me tHdt you
care nothing for me
Il couldn't" Vera whispered. "Oh, Wal
ter. If you only knew
Then you do care for me. my dearest. Yes.
I can see it in your face, there is always
the truth in your eyes. And now can speak
more freely. You were going away from
here out of loyalty to my uncle. and be-
cause you deem 1t your duty to sacrifice
your feelings rather than interfere with his
plans. But. my dear girl don't you see
what a needless sacrifice it would be? Don't
you see that any such action your part
would be worse than useless? But / will
speak to you about this tomorrow. l am
quite sure he is not the man to stand be-
tween us and our happiness. Would that 1
had thought of this before. l am sure that
it would have saved you many an anxious
moment"
Vera shook her head sadly Walters arms
were about her now. her head rested on his
shoulder. Just for the moment they were
absolutely OblviO-s to the world They
heard nothing of the sound of voices as
Lord Ravenspur's guests drifted away: they
were unconscious that he was standing In
the doorway now regarding them with
stern disapproval. He hesitated just mo-
ment. then he strobe Into the room. Walter
had never seen his face so hard and cold
before.
Il am sorry to intrude." he said but
Walter. 1t Is getting late now. Vera. and
quite time that you were in bed"
The girl looked up with something like
rebellion in her eyes.
Il am going into the draw:ng-room for half
an hour" she said. Perhaps Walter will
come and say good night to me when you
have finished your converse ton. / think
you understand what 1 mean. And don't be
too hard on me. If you only knew how l
have tried to do what-what--"
The tears rose to Vera eyes. as she
turned slowly and sadly away.
(To be continued tomorrow)