The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1909-06-17
IT'S Woman's Whole
Existence
BY Alma scrIven

1t was SIX years since they mao
parted. Six years!
With pang of self-reproach, he re-
Elected how seldom during those years
be had thought of her, and yet how
vivid, now that he saw her again. was
the recollection of their farewell
scene! 1t was at a dance-was 1t at
this identical house? He could not be
certain about that. but what he could
remember most clearly was the little
hand that had trcmbled as he pressed
it-the eyes. usually so full of laugh
ter, that had filled-had she wept, or
was he confusing her with. No. AS
the incident stood out more clearly in
his memory, he recalled the admira-
ton he had felt for the girls self-com.
mand.
Poor little girl! How innocently she
had shown her preference! What ..
brute he had been to play with hel
as he had done all through that sea
son-her first season, too!
For he had never meant anything
serious. She was too ingenue, toe
fresh and simple. to meet his fastid'
ious taste for anything but the merest
filtration.
At the end she had understood. The
night before he sailed for India, when
they babe each other farewell. he had
made no attempt to hide the truth
from her-that it was indeed fare
WELL"
How extraordinarily beautiful she
had grown. and how we'll she moved!
When he had most admired her he
had never imagined she would grow
to be anything like that. He thought
she was the most beautiful woman he
had ever seen. Her smile was Just as
sweet-a little graver, perhaps.
He must find out if she were mar.
ried.
No! Then she had been faithful
Did she know that he was back in
England and was to be here tonight?
Suddenly she raised her eyes-what
glorious eyes they were!-and, at
tracted by his magnetic gaze, they
met his.
She was ten times more lovely than
in the old days.
Now, suppose one were marrying
man? After all, it was what most men
came to some time
Was she, he wondered, already re.
GREETING the impulse she had followed
In refusing to recognize him? At any
rate, he would surely be able to per.
suade her to reconsider her decision.
His heart was beating faster than
usual as he crossed the room. The
music had ceased. and she was talk
ing. AS he approached he could see
the animation in Der eyes, the color
rising and falling in her face; and
when he stood before her. the words
she was addressing to her partner
died away on her lips.
Once more her eyes met his as she
stood very still, waiting for him to
speak.
are you not going to welcome me
honle?" he asked
There was d slight pause.
Gam glad to see you again"
The girls voice was very grave.
very gentle.
Can you spare me a danceo" he
asked humbly.
This time there was no hesitation in
her reply:
II am afraid have not one left"
1t was intolerable! How could he
talk to her with that puppy listening
to every word? Desperately he
touched her hand as she was moving
away, and spoke low and hurriedly, his
tone full of reproach:
at IS six years, is it not, since we
have met? If you knew how often-er
how deeply have regretted, you
would give me an opportunity of ex-
planning"
He waited breathless. for her reply.
This was the moment that would de.
eide his fate. He could see that a
struggle was going on in the girls
mind as again her eyes were drawn
to his. If pride should conquer now,
he knew that he was lost; and with
all his soul he tried to tell her that.
in spite of past treason, she could
trust him.
At last she smiled-a grave little
smile-as she held out her hand to
him.
I'VE shall meet again." she said
softly, land YOU may explain every.
thing"
He watched her as she moved away
"a strange new warmth at his heart.
She had forgiven him, and he loved
her. In all the happy years to come
she should learn how deeply he re.
GREETED the suffering he had caused
her.
The ball was over. In her bedroom
the girl was slowly drawing off her
long white gloves. A beautiful dia.
mord ring, given to her only few
days before fell from her left hand