Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-03-18

"Oh, is that where you hid yourself
 No wonder could not find you. Ol course Joey knew where you were
 How stupid of me!'
 Please don't call yourself names Elsie. You don't deserve them. And
 by the way, may address you by your
 Christian name? It slipped out today
 unawares. Not that I feel like apolo gizing, because I don't. There are
 times when the heart speaks, not the
 guarded tongue"
 Luckily the darkness covered the hot
 blush which leaped to her cheeks. She
 gave nervous little laugh and strove
 desperately to parry this wholly un. expected assault.
 T shall be delighted if you always
 call me Elsie. It sounds friendly, and
 I think our circumstances warrant a
 true friendship
 Excellent! I suppose you know that
 my name is Arthur"
 'Yes, but I had no notion of that
 sort of exchange. You are the captain,
 o1AA q NS4y SCA1OuS oOAb oA SoptdAh dt
 times. feel like little girl when
 you look at me and tell me not to be
 naughty, so Elsie sounds all right,
 but simply dare not call you Arthur ,
 Just imagine what a sensation it
 would create in the salon! should feel creepy all over. And hadn't we
 better be-
 "Elsie," said he, with tender note in his voice which thrilled her like a chord of exquisite music, T want to tell you something. The knowledge is forced on me that there is another man on this ship who wishes to make you his wife. but I, too, love you, and see 10 reason why should stand aside for any man on Gods earth until you tell me with your own lips that you prefer him to me-"
 "Oh!' gasped Elsie and "Ohw again. but not another word could she utter. she who had been so voluble moment ago. The bittersweet pain of hearing this sudden avowal was almost over towering. Her ideals of honor and truth were shocked. but she was a wo- man as well as an idealist, and she was stirred to the depths of her soul by the knowledge that she had won the man whose love she craved.
 T want you to listen to me. Elsie," he said. with passionate intensity that stilled the rising storm in her bos- om. ''Dr. Christobal may have plead ed his own cause already. It is not for me to cavil at him for doing that, but I cannot lose you without word. Whether you marry him or me or neil ther of us, shall love you forever. want you to know that. It is no new discovery to me. think my heart went out to you when carried you in my arms through the gale, and since that hour you and I have had expert ences denied to most men and women ere they reach the conclusion that they are fit mates for the voyage of life. Do you feel that, sweetheart? Have we known each other ten days or ten yearsT
 His face was very near to hers now. His arm was around her neck. It was quite dark where they stood in the shadow of the bridge. He could not see the tears in her eyes, but he heard her broken answer:
 Are you-quite-fair-in using such words to meT'
 "Fair, Elsie! Fair to whomr
 "Because-oh, how can I tell youf Are you free toto speak to me in this way"
 Elsie, am pledged to no other wo- man, if that is what you mean. Who has been telling you otherwise:"
 "No one. Indeed-Indeed. alone am to blame. You will be angry with me. but could not help it"
 She could say no more. If she had uttered another syllable just then she | would have broken down completely. | Courtenay placed his hand under her chin and lifted her unresisting lips to | his. He kissed her twice and laughed softly. with glad confidence that sent i a wave of delight coursing through FL | sie's veins.
 Sweetheart" he whispered, T am sure you would not have allowed me to speak so plainly if you were going to send me away. Now, I don't want you 10 bind yourself irrevocably tonight. That would certainly not be fair. ion't know why am to be angry or what it was you couldn't help. and ton't care a red cent. All I want to Snow is this-if the Kansas brings us both back to the outer world once more, have I as good chance of win ling your love as any other manT
 But I must tell you. I could not ook you in the face if you did not hear t. When I was left alone in your ,abin the second time and the sea anne in. a packet of letters fell out of 'onne clothes which I picked up from he floor. There was one from your lister. I hardly knew what l was do ng, but I saw her name. .Madge.' and read a few words on the half page lbove her signature"
 His left arm was now 50 well estab- lshed that his hand touched her cheek. md he found 1t wet with tears.
 "what wild conceit has crspt into our pretty little headl- be cried in maze. unconscIously missing his voics omew1at- "A letter from my sisteri he is the most straightforward wo- nan breathing. I e2ure you Never . he has she written to ne which could