Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-05-10

exquisite as clearcut cameo, her white draperles
artistically disposed about her favoring the Illus
ion. Others observed it as we'll as l. Murmers of
admiration from every side must have reached her
ears, bringing roseate flush to her cheek, illum-
mating her eyes, and wreathing her lips with
smiles.
She was watching for We caught the
glance, each of the others eyes, from afar, as
edged myself through the throng surrounding her.
l was hemmed in for minute and could not
reach her side
"Percy," she called in low voice, almost
whisper
tones for had reached her side. 1t was strange
how we seemed to understand each other without
words; seemed to know that new life leaped in
our blood. That we loved each other as we wished
to be loved though we could not define the differ
ence AS I stood before her she crossed her TWO
index fingers.
"What does it mean? Sweet Dorothy" asked
as l led her out upon the floor her hand clasped
in mine for the music for the waltz had begun.
What does represent?
"An unknown quantity"
"Then Smith-so far-is an unknown guam
tity;" smiling radiantly upon me-
It sounded good to me. OF course said SO :
and other things. That waltz proved entirely too
short.
All things must come to an end, and this beau
tfu ball as we'll had the last waltz with Dor
othy as she had promised. I noticed when she
came to me, that my tender orchid which she nao
,pon her breast was still uncrushed. A fierce JOY
famed within me-
you did not cross your fingers when came to
claim you.'
"You did not give me time"
"Ah Dorothy Dorothy, l am afraid that is
subterfuge."
'If you'll stop-and release me,-.Pll cross my
heart"
Meaning that your heart is an unknown guam
tity?" She shook her head.
The last strains of the waltz were ending; the
dancers leaving the floor, but neld Dorothy
in my as long as might, so close that wnen
I released her, the orchid was crushed, faint
spot on my shirt betraying the damage.
was glad How did know that l should ever
hold her thus again?
We were the last to leave the ball room. The
guests were crowdng the hall and stairway, and
we fingered few moments in the little reception
room alone. 49,
Her pretty draperies crushed, chung softly to
her figure and her rounded arms were almost
bare. She was little fatigued by the dancing;
the exertion of the evening; her emotions per-
haps
The indication of langor in her dropping lids
was appealing as is the listessness of tired
child She had never before looked to me more
aluring Could it be possible that the love borne
between us two, from childhood, must wither and
die without touch of gadness; without hope OF
fruition? God forbid
"The die has been cast" said to myself who
can tell what this evening will bring forth? me
men gathered here tonight not nsensate,-no
more than I. had asked for the test 1t is only
fair for Dorothy. l must abide by IT.
It was with keen sense OF uncertainty, OF
hopelessness that stood looking down upon ner
must say goodnight to her, for could trust my
self no longer to stay with her. and be silent. AS
looked at her all my good resolutions faded
had within me only the vehement desire to tell
her of the new love that had its birth within my
heart this evening: different, stronger, more COM
pelling than ever felt before
don't know how 1t would nave ended Dut as
looked at her. she raised her soft, sweet, appeal
ing ewes to mine,-and there flashed into my mind
the last words of my mother.
'sMg SON is 1lOt0 man. nope ne aotH Shot0
Of