The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-04-19

IL, unless he is a brute
am sorry that / let you see ] was
annoyed, he answered simply.
II / had not been so foolish, you
would not go away so carly
Her tone was contrite, and regret
fully thoughtful, as II the explanation
were irrefutable but humiliating Eve
was. on the whole, a good woman, and
is believed TO be in Paradise; yet with
the slight previous training of a few
minutes conversation with the serpent
she was an accomplished temptress.
and her rustic taste for apples has sent
untold millions down into unquench-
able fire.
II would stay If could" Zeno said
But 1 have an appointment, and I
must 60"
rs II very important, very-very?"
Zeno smiled at her now, but did not
answer at once. Instead he walked to
the window, opened the shutters again
and looked out. The night was very
dark Hero and there little lights twin
killed. In the houses Of Pera, and those
that were near the waters edge made
tiny paths over the black stream. After
his eyes had grown used to the gloom
Zeno could make out that there was a
boat near the marble steps, and a very
soft sound OF oars moving In the water
told him that the boatman was padding
gently to keep his position against the
slow current Zeno shut the window
again and turned back to Zoe
Yes" he said. answering her last
speech after the interval. 1T is very
go out tonight"
He was going out Of the house. then.
She knew that he rarely did so after
dark. and she could not help connect
ing his going with the invitation he
had given to Polo and his daughter for
the next day He was to be betrothed
TO Giustina tomorrow, he was going
now to settle some urgent matter of
business connected with the marriage
contract; or he was betrothed already;
yes. and he was to be married IN the
morning and would bring his bride
homie. Zoe, IN her lonely room upstairs,
would hear the noisy feasting Of the
wedding guests below.
When the thread broke, leaving her
IN the unreality. her lip quivered, and
she was little pale. Zeno was stand
ing beside her. holding her hand
Good night. Arethusa," he said in s
tone that frightened her.
The words sounded like "goodby,'
for that was what they might mean; he
knew II, and she guessed IT.
You are going away" she cried,
springing to her feet and slipping her
hand from his to catch his wrist.
o.
But you may not see me tomorrow"
Not IN the EVENING" she asked In
great anxiety. Not even after they
are goneT'
Il cannot tell" he replied gravely.
Perhaps not"
She dropped his wrist and turned
from him
You are going TO be married" she
said IN a low voice. Il was sure of it
mol" he answered with emphasis
Not that"
She turned to him again; II did not
occur 10 her to doubt his word, and her
eyes asked him the next question with
eager anxiety, but he would not an
swer. He only repeated the three
words. very tenderly and softly
Good night-Arethusaw
She knew it was goodby, though he
would not say IT; she was not guessing
his meaning now. But she was proud.
He should not see how hurt she was
Good night" she answered. IF you
are going away-then, goodby"
Her voice almost broke, but she
pressed her lips tight together when
the last word had passed them, and
though the tears seemed TO be burning
her brain she would not shed them
while his eyes We're on her.
God keep you" he said. as one says
who goes on long Journey
Again he was turning from her. not
meaning to look back but it was more
than she could bear. In an Inward tenn
pest Of fear and pain she had been
taught suddenly that she truly loved
him more than her soul and in the
same instant he was leaving her for a
long time. perhaps forever She could
not bear il, and her pride broke down
She caught his hand as he turned 10 go
, and held 1t fast.
Take me with you." she cried. "Oh,
do not go away and leave me behindi"
silence of three seconds.
Il will come back" he said. IF 1
, am alive, Will come back"
You are going into DANGER Her
: hand frightened on his and she grew
paler still
He would not answer, but he patted
her wrist kindly, trying to soothe her
anxiety. He seemed quiet enough at
that moment, but he felt the slow. full
beat OF his own heart and the rush of
the swelling pulse in his throat He
had not guessed before tonight that
, she loved him; he was too simple. and
far too sure that he himself could not
love slave. Even now he did not like
to own II, but he knew that the hand
! she held was not passive; ii pressed
hers tighter in return, and drew it to
, him instead of pushing it away. till at
, last It was close to his breast
Ons let me go Win you, take me
with you" she repeated, beseeching
, with all her heart.
, He was not thinking of danger now,
he had forgotten it so far that he
, scarcely paid attention to her words
. or to her passionate entreaty. Words
had lost sense and value, as they do
. IN battle, and the fire ran along his
. arm to her hand. IT had been cold: 1t
! was hot now. and throbbed strangely.
. Then he dropped it and took her sud
. denly by her small throat almost vio-
lently, and turned her face UP to his;
, but she was not frightened and she
. smiled IN his grasp.
II did not mean TO love you
He still held her as he spoke; she put
. up her hands together and took his
! wrists. but not to save herself: instead
. she pressed his hold closer upon her
> throat, as if to make him choke her
II wish you would kill me now,' she
cried in a trembling. happy little voice
He laughed low and shook her the
least bit, as a strong man shakes 9
child In play. but her eyes drew him
to her more and more.
.r,rry su1, -I~ 80