Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-07-12

child about to be punished, and toyed nervously
with the folds of her dress.
81 have never approved of your fad for visiting
the sums he continued, and his tone more
chilling than before. mo lady of true refine
ment would permit herself to mingle with that
class You need not fancy you gaining DR..
Amos respect by nursing his charity patients"
81 not aware that I needed to- gain DR..
Amos any mans respect" Threnodora re-
turned holly. "And if it were possible for your
memory to go back much a month, might
recall to your mind few conversations we have
had here in this room, in which you did not take
exactly the view of the case that you seem to be-
taking now"
Austin turned his face away in order to avoid
her glance for he felt that her spirit aroused
WELL let that matter drop" he said, striving
to maintain his frigid dignity. $50 long as you
not my wife, l presume you will do you
choose The subject of which 1 wished to speak
to you is one of deeper concern to me- I have
felt for some time that you do not understand, do
not fully appreciate me, and without this perfect
confidence and sympathy our engagement is
mere farce"
NO. Austin, at your present valuation of your
self, fear l do not appreciate you," Threnodora
said rising and looking him full in the face. 81
used to believe that you superior to your
SEX but the Board of Judges at that Paris Art
Exhibit has opened my eyes to truth had
desire to learn"
What do you mean?" her companion de-
manded, an angry flush leaping to his brow.
81 mean," and her manner appallingly
rous that since you won that medal you have
been changed man. You seem to have for
gotten utterly that you had any existence prior
to that event. 1 would not ask you to remember
that it was I who suggested that picture arranged
the pose and furnished the model; nor that you
said hundred times that If the picture brought
you any glory, must share it with you. l would
only remind you that two months ago Austin
Strand, the Man, was superior to Strand the
Artist Then you were only amateur, paint
ing for your own amusement, while my cousin
Frank looked after your business interests Now
you assume the ability of the old masters and all
your friends laughing in their sleeves at you"
Ridiculous! Perfectly absurd! The honor has
not had the slightest effect on me. You ought to
know that superior to any such weakness"
sAustin f1oundered.
Perhaps I msjudged you; but. Austin, do you
sstill love me?" Threnodora asked
I "Not-not as I feel I ought to love the woman
II make my wife," he faltered.
"Then engagement is indeed a farce" she
said with deep culver of pain.
But, dear, do not love anyone else. And if
ever should, you always be sure of second
place in my heart" Austin said hastily.
Marvellous generosity" The pain was all gone
from the girls voice now and her eyes darted
angry fire Even her hair seemed to take on
redder hue as she looked her recalcitrant lover
full in the face. Really, Austin you amaze me.
hadn't supposed you had heart big enough for
more than one. Do you" she paused, restrained
by something in his eyes. do you think for
little minute that the girl who has loved the
Austin Strand I used to know would consider
either second or-or first place in your affection?
used to love beautiful ideal. You have abso
lutey nothing in common with that ideal and I"
Her voice wavered austin I wish l could save
you from yourself For the sake of the love
once thought bore you wish you would let me
tell you what a-what an you making of
YOURSELF"
There it was out She had spoken the irrepar-
able word, had discharged the shaft which, al
though 1T pierced the mans overweening vanity, I