The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1909-03-04
Romeo and juliet
Copyright, 1905. by Daily story pub. co5
By Louise McHenry

ments, ne stood in short time trans
formed-a figure so graceful In move
ment. and attractive in appearance
that he retained that dear perfection"
of which Juliet spoke. He stood be
fore the mirror as II infatuated with
himself. He practiced the stage move
ments of Romeo, and pitched his voice
like that of the man whose face and
figure he bore, reciting lines from the
tragedy.
The maskers assembled in the great
corridor and sought partners for the
grand march into the ballroom. The
eyes of Romeo instinctively fell upon
Juliet. Clad in gorgeous robe OF
white silk, heavy with pearl embroid
cry, her yellow braids falling from un'
der her jeweled cap, she looked as
though fashioned of sunshine and
moonbeams. About her waist was
bound the famous Waring rope of
pearls and diamonds.
They took their places in line and so
radiant n couple did they make that
all eyes followed them with admirins
glances. Romeo's head was bowed in
tender solicitude over the one of gold,
and as they kept step to the music,
the jewels upon her person glistened
with myriad lights.
Juliet, in the wealth of jewels here
there are two that outshine all the
rest"
The merriment in her eyes added to
their brightness.
You know already that those jewels
are your eyes-'the two fairest stars
in all the heavens
So the mock love making went on.
But as the evening wore away he
sought her in another mood.
"The most delightful place about the
house is little nook in the conserva-
tory. May l lead you thither?"
There in the quiet. amid the flowers,
with dim light about them, they
| seated themselves.
Though you wear a becoming dis
guise tonight, you are not more en-
trancingly beautiful than when robed
in your own personality. Hortense."
She looked up quickly.
did you recognize me from the very
first?"
From the very first"
Il saw you when you were in the
hall below. suppose it is only fair
to say that your great coat gave away
your identity. but would have known
you anyway, for as you made the turn
on the stairway | noticed that peculiar
little gesture of your hands," and
laughingly she threw hers out with a
quick movement.
The man gave silent thanks for his
power of observation and imitation.
Now as we sit face to face, despite
disguises, l shall unmask my heart.
The words that fall from my lips,
though they lack the poetic fire of
Shakespeare, shall have the value of
coming straight from my heart 1t is
the old, old story of love would tell
you, Hortense.
The lids dropped low over the sweet
eyes, and growing bolder his hand
claRssd within it the delicate white
palm.
'Hortense, dear one, dare | hope!"
and he held the trembling hand closer.
The golden head bent forward. His
arm stole gently under the chiffon
coat she had thrown over her shoul.
ders, and which fell in graceful folds
TO the hem of her skirt, and in an
ecstasy of first love she felt the pres.
sure of his clasp about her. In ST.
lence that needs no words they sat uII.
mindful of the passing moments.
1T is time to say adieux-the guests
are departing. The conservatory is al.
ready deserted"
The voice came from a group OF men
passing the door.
She arose with a start and the rattle
of her jewels and passementerie and
crash of her fallen fan caused them
TO stop and look within. Her com.
panion dropped instantly to the floor
at her feet, picking up the fallen ar,
ticles. The men looked at each other
smiled and passed on.
AS Romeo arose and handed her
handkerchief and fan to her he whig
pered: Tomorrow. love. shall speak
with your father"
And she biushed an assent.
The Waring carriage was hardly In
motion before the man was speedine
back to Langhams apartments. His
hand touched the button this timr
without fumblng.
"Old boy. If you're brisk you car
catch the three o'clock train. But
steady--leave no track behind"
Romeo's gorgeous costume was
folded carefully and packed awa,,
Every article in the room was put
just as it had been found Rearraye
In his own clothes the man picked VI
and resealed the letter to Miss Waring
tossing it into the book that still lay
open, and slapped the covers together
These, my good friends, must gC
with me-" and he hurriedly pocketed 0
pair of knuckle nippers. "They have
done good piece of work this night.