The Irish standard., 1908-05-02

master OF that perfect relaxation that
prepares for stress as we'll as sleep
does.
Alvin had dropped his study, Viola
was fighting her trouble alone and
Sally B. was in the kitchen Stella.
left with no pressing duty, wandered
into the dark parlor. Lighting it was
Viola's task, but she had forgotten to-
night. to Stella's satisfaction.
| She drew chair to the window that
faced the dim mountain across the
gorge, closed her senses to the little
world about her and was quickly of
with the sprites Of the night to keep
her hearts tryst with Alfred. Not
quite alone did they two meet this
night in fancy's fair halls. Viola, AL.
win, even Sally BIS uncompromising
black eyes interrupted Stellas dreams.
Minutes licked by unheeded Hur.
rying feet came and went; calls, cries.
hasty commands, odors of unusual
cooking floated past inadequate doors;
but Stella was oblivious till draught
of air struck her cheek sharply and
Gideons voice called her.
/ She started to her feet. Gideon!
Where-you said Tomorrow in your
message! Who told you / was here?"
"No one. I can always find you,
Stella. Something tells me. The in
slant l opened the door l knew you
were here. A kind Of fragrance
could tell it"
Don't. Gideon" she interrupted.
She was looking for matches, but his
and movement.
Your father once told me that q
Pima princess was my great-grand.
mother l cannot escape my heritage
from her." He took the match she had
struck and lighted the hanging lamp
The fame shone full on his upturned
face, and Stella gazed at him fas-
cinated. while he adjusted wick and
shade. He seemed to her excited gaze
the concentrated beat and pulse of a
hundred lives controlled by the master
will that spoke through his burning
eyes. Often she wondered about his
power over her. wondered why Gid
OOu away, "do SO Il part vi utT
life; yet near. SO masterful. monopoliz-
ing. In the pause while he attended to
the lamp this question rose again;
and was still unanswered
He turned to meet her mute scru-
tiny. His eyes we're deep and tender,
his voice wooing. You're glad to
see me, aren't you, sweet Starr" He
threw his arm about her waist with a
motion both swift and gentle. as
might be a panther mothers, and
kissed her on the fofehead.
Don't. Gideon!" Stella cried.
breathless, struggling unavailingly. yet
not quite sorry that his arm did not
yield. Always with Gideon present
came the memory of their comradship.
comforting sense Of his strength, a
desire to lean upon him. If he would
only be content with brotherliness!
"Moppett, why do you push me
away? It's so long since saw you.
If were your brother by blood as I
am by rearing. you'd take my kiss, and
kiss me back. Isn't the tie almost rs
close? We've been so much more to
each other than ordinary brother and
sister" He dropped his arm and
stepped back; and the consideration.
the gentleness and regret in his tone
subdued Stella with quick contrition.
"Oh, Gideon. don't mean to be
cold, unkind: but I'm afraid of-of
what l see in your eyes"
Ho 1opl,od 1opr INT bo~ f,,o Unoo
little girl" he said at length; and the
adjective did not seem uniting when
he stood near her. Don't be afraid
of me, Stella. love you, and | want
your love in return, not your fear"
But can't help it, Gideon. You
would compel me, hurt me. Does true
love ever hurt?"
Does mother love her child when
she gives 1t into the surgeons hands?"
Stella would not see his meaning.
THAT doesn't apply to u.s."
ut does, Stella" He went to her
again, standing close. and looking
down upon her tenderly. I've come
for you, dear" He kissed her sud
denly. II remember what you said.
fower-eyes. I'll not kiss you on the
lips till-till I've the right"
Gideon, you can never have that"
she interrupted. springing back.
Still he controlled himself to gentle
ness. Stella, dear, listen. Love like
mine compels love. You think your
heart forever lost to that-to the man
who has deserted you. Yet you surely
will soon wake to the shame of it,
Your womanhood will help me. II not
your love; that will follow. I've a
house. and garden for you in Sacra-
- III !