The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-10-18
The Spanish Necklace
BY BERTHA M. CROKER
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am a young fool, and do not know my own mind7 If you go away. I shall follow you to the worlds end, for love you." and at the moment he spoke the honest truth.
 Then, if you do love me-" and her voice trembled, flor Gods sake be faithful to meI' and her white face ed a man we'll accustomed to his own fiery and emotional, countrywomen. This girls love was a serious thing 1t meant her life, her very soul; if she had given 1t to him, 1t behoved him to step warily.
 T swear I will love you" he de- clared. his dark eyes aglow with emo tion-'you only--to the end, till death claims love and me.
 Hester leant back against the tree trunk and put her hand over her face. which was working convulsively. He saw the tears tr$ckling fast under her pretty ungloved fingers.
 Paul Sarazin had taken part In va- rious love-seenes, but never In one approaching this. He had hold tender interviews in dim rooms, behind large fans. on moonlight nights. on terraces, in corners of conservatories, even in the daytime on a motor-car; but on no occasion had he experienced any thing of a similar description--a lady receiving his vows in q storm of tears.
 win you not trust me? Will you not believe me-" he pleaded. 'T swear I will be true. Of course. have been wild and foolish-all the world knows that; but I will turn over a new page, and you. beloved lady, will make me good" As he spoke he took her dis engaged hand in his. What do you say2 Speak to me-"
 "I will speakI do love you"-her voice was half sob. ''oh, you know that! But I am afraid"
 She hesitated, her mind filled with the poignant memory of the anguish of Jealousy this handsome lover had already oeeasioned her; of the mys- tsrious story of the duel. a Action yet 1t had hurt as sharply as a fact the vague whispers that went round Biarrits his unknown past, including the siren Dolores, the unknown future, and its pitfalls
 T am afraid" she repeated. Let us wait month--so as to know one another better"
 And to prove me your true knight alwaysH'
 She made no reply for some time. At last she said: Let us remain un- bound in any way, and at the end"
 ''Fhe end" he interposed, will be the beginning of my happiness. But. dear lady. you have told me that you care for me; this cannot forget; this fact, though 1t binds you not binds me to you for ever"
 And as he spoke he stopped down bareheaded, and kissed her hand.
 ''Tel me one thing" he asked after a silence. Why should we wait? What Is 1t that you fear?"
 T am afraid of myself" she answer ed tremulo usly~-"yes, and of you! I am  the duel. I was secretly distracted. Yes I was, and we left Biarrftz at once.'
 "Madre Santissima" he exclaimed. Was that what sent you into Spain?" And he pressed her hands tightly in his.
 "It was" turning away her face 'T realized then how horribly, horribly jealous I could be-"
 And yet you had no reason-you
 (Oh. what a charm In the low, vf- hrating voiceD
 "No." and she drew away her hand and met his eyes steadily. "ButerT ] warn you-It must be all or nothing"
 ''It Is all! Surely you will believe ms7 Tell me how shall prove 1t to you? What can I offer or promise, on my knees?"
 Prove it by waiting for one month before we are pledged 60 one another before all the world knows Grant me this favor.''
 "I see. you wish for a term of pro- bation. the purgatory before HeavenF He paused, struck by the pale inten- sity of her face. "Well, then, have 1t sol"
 eyes, I will have it so,'' she mur- mured. as she slowly dried her eyes. Now we will return to Mrs. Tudor, Rhe will be wondering" She could not complete the sentence.
 May I inform her2" he asked grzvelg.
 That you are free of course.'
 'No, for I hold myself pledged to you-you have told me something that binds me to you, till the end of my life'
 ''No. mo-" said Hester, invaded by 8 spirit of perversity she could not an- alyze There is no pledge yet-Wc are both free"
 Her companion received her verdict in disapproving silence; and in silence the two descended the woods to where blue parasol marked the limit of their tete-atete. The girls mind was