The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1909-09-30

precepts. would you believe me III
told you that at the age OF three and
thirty ] am still heart wholer
She parried. Il trust you viii not
spoil that excellent record by making
love TO me" She reached for the
matches. touched or one, watched II
burn for moment. extlngushed II
and then deliberately drew a line
across the center Of the tablecloth.
Now. what might that represent
he asked curlously
"a line. Mr. Hillard. The moment
you cross that line that moment you
leave this house. On guardr'
Come, that is not brave. You can
retreat till your shoulders touch the
mat, but | must stand this side Of the
line, unable TO reach you. And you
have the advantage Of the mask be.
sides. You are not fair fencer."
"The odds should be In my favor,
am woman. Ny wrist Is not SO
strong as yours"
physically, OF course, ! may pass
the line, TO reach the salt, for instance
VIII that be against the rulesl You
have put temptation IN my path
IBID Satan get behind thee
II wish | knew the color OF your
eyes. Behind those holes ! see nothing
but points Of fire, no color"
"They are blue. But supposing
wear this mask because my face Is
dreadfully scarred2'
Vanity, yes; but scars, never Al
least never SO deep as you yourself can
make You wear that mask but Out
Of mercy 10 me"
Once she rose and approached the
window, slyly raising the mask aud
breathing deeply Of the cold air which
rushed In through the crevices. When
she turned she found that he, too, had
risen. He was looking at the stems,
one Of which he held In his hand
Moreover, he returned and set the stein
down beside his plate,
"Tell me. why do you do thatf'
There was an anxious note In her
voice
II have an idea But let US proceed
with the dinner. This salad
Il am more interested In the idea"
She pushed aside the salad and took
sip Of the ruby burgundy. Had he
discovered something's
MAY ! smoker he asked
"By all means"
He lighted cigarette and put the
case near the line
do you enjoy cigarette?'
Sometimes" she answered eBut
the idea"-
"wiil you not have oneY He moved
the case still nearer TO the line
She reached out firm round white
arm.
"One moment" he said. 'Let us uD
derstand each other thoroughly"
what do you mean" her arm pois
ed In midair.
ITO touch cigarette you must cross
the line 10 this side
She withdrew her arm slowly.
Il shall not smoke II crossed the
line | should establish dangerous
precedent. And must have that idea
"The mirror over the piano confused |
me. have seen II somewhere before
Then there IL that old copy Of Botti
celIi The frame is familiar but
could not place It. This stein. how
ever" He laughed. The laughter was
boyish. even triumphant,
We'll, that steinY She was now
leaning across the table. her fingers
tense on the cloth
Il bought that stein two seasons
ngo This Is the sandfords' place, and
you are the yeiled lady who has been
riding Mrs. sandford's fayorite hunter
In the park"
They stood up simultaneously In n
matter Of this sort he was by far the
quicker. In an instant be had caught
her by the wrist. at the same time
her irresistibly round the Ia.
bic toward him.
Il must see your face. ! shall never
be al peace II do not"
Certainly you win never know any
peace II you do. BE careful"
His free hand stole toward the
strings OF her mask. She moved not.
His face WAS very close 20 bfrs now.
u only she would struggiel He re-
eased her wrist.
mo: haven't the courage II | take
hat mask from your face II win be
he eDd And DO not want this ever
% end. II you VIII not let me see your
ace of your own free viii. 80 be ~
hail see II some day. mark me Este
ioes not cross two paths In this man :
ier without a purpose" He stepped
,sck slowly. you do not understand
be lure ~ that mask"
Perhaps | do, am beginning 70
Idmire your self control. Mr- Hillafd
3ut ! am tired now, and ] must ask
'ou 10 60"