The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1909-07-14
himself sufficiently to explain his re-
-

himself sufficiently to explain his re-
pudiation Of Ronald Dever.
ut is queer coincidence" he said.
that you should have spoken to me
just when | was dreaming of the little
old town in which we both grew to
manhood" He had himself SO well in
hand now that he spoke almost dream
lily.
"Of course | was thinking most of
the Rivers home where we both used
to visit. You probably know that
was engaged to Elsie Rivers when that
which is the cornerstone of
my wealth today-was left me, and
was obliged to go abroad to claim it,"
The other gave startled glance.
mo; | never knew that" he said.
Berresford pressed his lips tightly
together before he spoke again. 1T
was midwinter when left-spring-
time when ! returned. And, of course,
/ went Mt once to our old home town.
Elsie was out, her mother said, some
where around the grounds. | went i'm
mediately to our old trysting place in
Lilac lane. There was the same famil-
lar walk. all odorous with bloom and
the moonlight falling in thousand
shifting lights and shadows, just as
always loved to remember
His voice broke curiously. His com
panion, slight, dark man, younger
than he, looked at him with frank anx-
iety in his eyes.
"She was there" went ON Berresford.
$50 was man whose arm encircled
her as they walked. Her head almost
touched his shoulder. Her dropping
face could not see distinctly, but the
height and walk were those Of Elsie,
whom l had called my Elsie. | be-
lleve," with sudden chill change of
tone, that is all l need explain, De-
yerv'
NO" said Dever quietly, 1T isn't
quite all. Who was her escort? Who
was the man."
A great wrath shook Berresford from
head to feet. He whirled around upon
his companion, white to the lips.
"Youw he cried. You, Ronald Dever!
l saw you distinctly. You were the
manv
Dever spoke In level and command
ing voice. Come! Let us walk still
a little farther. Neither you nor can
afford to invite public comment. I
hope to prove to you that you have
been mistaken"
Startled, but incredulous, Berresford
accepted the suggestion.
what made you turn, like another
Enoch Arden, and leave the placer"
Dever asked.
Because, being supplanted in my abb
senee, l was another Enoch Ardenw
came the reply, passionately spoken.
"Listen. After you went abroad Ell
sizes cousin came to live with her.
They were of the same height and gen.
eral appearance, although when con-
sidered together they do not look alike.
fell in love with Laura. She has
been my wife for three years, and-a
mighty sweet wife she is. Will you
dine with us tonight, Berresford?"
Berresford flushed and trembled like
a girl. 1T was she-not Elsie-that I
saw with you?"
"Assuredly, as You might have dis
covered had you been less impulsive
in your flight. He mentioned their ad-
dress. well expect you at g."
''No, no; must go at once to Elsie
If she will listen, If she will forgive
me. But there may now be some other
person, some other claim"
"There isn't any one but you.
don't think there ever would or will
be. But come to dinner at 6. as l said
Elsie is Just now visiting at our
home"
"What" shouted Berresford. "Give
me that card with your address-quick!
HI, cabby! Double fare If you make
good timel Wait until 6, indeed. Well,
I guess notv'
Then he was being driven swiftly
southwark, and for him all the world
the gracious, sweet, delicious, spring
time world-was full of the waving Of
lilac plumes, the prescient fragrance
Of lilac blossoms.