The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-10-18

7 tumuit of conflicting and self-tor- turing thoughts. wretched, cowardly creature. surely she had done wrong not to snatch at this chance of happl- ness--perhaps her only chance! Why had she refused and thrust away with her own hand her hearts desire? Why not enjoy one little hour? To be steeped for years in the black gulf of misery! combated her sterner self, that dour puritan nature, with it's old-worid claims; the same that had held her in its grip on the bridge of Calahorra.i Oh yes happiness was worth walt ing for and, after all, how little they knew of one another! La Pelota, his mothers reception, & dance, casual meetings on the streets or on the links. and those two happy days in Cordova. was the sum total. Now they were bound to at least meet and talk daily-heart-stirr prospect!
 For his part, Paul was redecting. "So this English girl is aware of her own value; like all red-headed people, she Is jealous-she has been hearing some tales of me. At least, I am the first man who has made love to her -one sees that. and l will walt. will be good to her. I will marry Paul. the irresistible. was conscious of certain sense of resentment-in sh ort, he was both nettled and hurt
 If she had been 8 Spaniard. instead of weeping, making objections and difficulties, and talking jealousy and delay. she would have thrown herself Into his arms with impassioned aban- don. However. she was not a Span lard. but an English girl.
 Mrs. Tudor, sitting alone, was busy, too, with more complacent reflections How furious some people would be If her matchmaking-a match forced up- on her-was crowned with success. To think of the poor. shrinking crea- ture she had befriended some months ago blossoming into the fashionable and important Marquesa de Sarazin!
 We'll. Hester, of course. had always been secretly in love with Paul, and 'ce que femme veut. Dieu veut" An! here they came as last! But Paul was looking unusually solemn, and Hester had undoubtedly been crying Was Paul responsible for her tears?
 With a murmured excuse about telegram. Hester left the others alone. and turned towards the hotel, whilst Mrs. Tudor and her suitor followed her at their leisure.
 The Marquis de Sarazin at once plac- ed his companion In the position of parent to his future wife. although there was as yet to be no public or formal betrothal, and In his tone was faint echo of disappointment and regret.
 "No. we are not engaged" he con cluded gravely.
 "Oh you can make love so we'll without being engaged, Pablo mio!" muttered the old lady, as she peered up at him with her sharp blue eyes.
 He assured her of his fathers hearty sanction to the marriage, deplored the lady's invincible reluctance to bind herself to him at present. but declared that he knew she would eventually be his wife.
 And why are you so certain?" ask ed Mrs. Tudor.
 Because I venture to think that she lives me. She is cold and she Is for nal, but she truly does care. And so do I.''
 'Now. cannot imagine why she won't allow the engagement to be un fait accompli. I suppose the fact Is. she has been scared by your repu- tation as a fiirt. She wishes to be sure that you are in earnest"
 T am certainly in earnest By-and- by. I shall Inform my father and fam fly of my hopes, and at the end of my probation we will go to England. or to Spain. and be married. I do not believe in putting things off"
 'No?" And she raised her eyebrows with an incredulous expression.
 There. you see, I am not a true Spaniard. he added, with his charming smile. for you know our saving 'Manana-es otro dia'-There Ia aI. ways tomorrow" .---..-l-