The Detroit times., 1908-06-03
"A Grain of Hope

You haven't given me your ad-
dress"
/ She took out a card from a little
/ jeweled case and gave IL 10 him.
"2 Boullevardst. Germain,' he
read. Thanks, | shall not forget and
am most thankful
And as she went away and his
glance followed her, he said 20 him
self. That was good move OF mine.
But what strange luck
The little lunch party was decidedly
a success. The viscount was a rising
diplomat, Indeed one might say that
he was risen one. and he talked even
benter than usual because he was
anxious TO please Mile. Berney. Elsie
Marry. who was accustomed TO de-
mand and receive admiration with
GOODNESS that IS characteristic OF the
young women OF today, accepted
Loaurent's attempts To be agreeable
graciously and they were quite friend
ly by the time they arrived at the
salon.
Antolnetie Berney watched the pro-
gress OF the little romance with
thrill al her heart that was half pleas
ant and yet had touch of sadness in
! Il, decided to see the thing through.
and later she invited both Elsie and
LoaureDt 10 dine with her the follow
ing week and go to the thcater after
wards.
/ II was nice of Loaurent. she thought
TO manage a call on her In between
the two. and she received him cor
daily.
They drifted into talk about them
| GO Iaa oil inf
esting things concerning him. 30 that
they seemed like old friends when they
parted.
The theater party well at the begin
ming. for the fourth man was q steady
going. middle-aged member of the
chamber. widower with pronounced
him In order TO give the romance
freedom.
| Yes, II presently seemed as IL some
thing had gone wrong. Elsie Marry
was distinctly initiating the widower
ia the early stages OF the art Of flir-
tation. while Loaurent. whose feelings
were no doubt hurt. betrayed desire
tc' take refuge from her neglect to
Antoinette.
It distressed Antoinette very much.
She was surprised To find that she was
full OF indignant sympathy with
Loaurent. for after all love disappoint-
ments are very usual occurrences, and
that she was actually taking a dislike
to Elsie because that tickle young per-
son had deserted Loaurent for the
widower
1T is charming Of you to take II so
well" She murmured to Loaurent
when he begged the privilege OF driv-
ing home with her. but. OF course,
you mustn't let II become real quar-
rel. You must insist on seeing Mile.
Marry home"
But she has already arranged that
our honorable and worthy friend
should be her escort. should not
like to upset her plans"
A moment later Mile. Marry settled
the point herself by departing with
the widower and her goodbye to
Loaurent was decidedly chilly.
AS Antoinette drove with him to-
wards Boulevard st. Germain she was
trying to think Of appropriate words
wherewith to console this blighted
lover. but she found 1t so difficult that
when they had reached the house she
had said nothing. and could only en-
deavor TO convey her sympathy by a
lingering hand-shake.
May | come in for moment" he
said. II have something important
to say to you"
| Poor fellow" she reelected. He
Is wretched and may be going to do
something desperate must persuade
him to be calm
So she gave gracious consent.
II have been looking forward to
this evening more than I can say"
loaurent began will 1t bore you
| II | refer to my romance"
She turned to him with tears of
earnestness shining In her eyes.
"Of course, 1t will not bore me,
she assured him. Il cannot express
tc you how sorry | feel. how sincere
ly | sympathize with you. But
think that Mile. Marry
He interrupted by taking her hand.
| why should We talk about Mile.
Marry" he said while the smile and
the twinkle In his eye transformed
his face.
1T is such absolute waste OF time.
| would SO much rather talk about
you, Antoinette."
She was so astonished that for
moment she couldn't speak, and he
drew her little nearer to him by
the passive hand he held.
Il can't walt any longer" he said.
Il very nearly told you | loved you
that first day.on the balcony, but !
didn't venture because I was afraid
| would lose my chance. II has
seemed an eternity since then, and to
| tell you the truth, I was getting so
bored with Mile Marry that I'm afraid
| showed It,"
"Antoinette--I have loved YOU from
the first moment | saw you Don't
send me away"
But II can't be true IL must be a
mistake. You told me-
Il told you the truth" he said and
took her other hand And You. with
your lack OF egotism. decided that
my Ideal must be Mile. Marry. An
toinette-how could 1t be any one but
you? Don't you know how delight
full you are? Don't You understand
that my life would not be worth liv.
ing without you? Can't you care d
little bit for me?"
She did not answer for she was
still too much amazed both az him
and at herself To be able 10 speak:
but he read something that encour
aged him In her eyes. for he lifted her
hands up To his shoulders, and. bend.
ing. said softly:
III there Is a grain OF hope for me.
Antoinette, give me one Kiss