Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1910-10-06

rushed in through the crevices. When
she turned she found that he, too, had
risen. He was looking at the stems,
n of which he held in his hand.
Moreover, he returned and set the stein
down beside his plate.
Tell me, why do you dc that"
There was an anxious note in her
voice.
81 have All idea. But let us proceed
with the dinner. This SALAD
II am more interested in the idea"
She pushed aside the salad and took
a sip of the ruby burgundy. Had he
discovered something?
May l smoker" he asked.
"By all means"
He lighted Il cigarette and put the
cas- near the line.
do you enjoy a cigarette"
Sometimes" she answered. But
the idea
will you not have one?" He moved
the case still nearer to the line.
She reached out a firm round white
arm.
"One moment" he said. Let us I'M
derstand each other thoroughly"
what DO you mean?" her arm pois-
ed in midair.
L touch a cigarette you must cross
the line to this side"
She withdrew her arm slowly.
81 shall not smoke. If I crossed the
line l should establish a dangerous
precedent. And l must have that idea.'
'The mirror over the piano confused
me. l have seen it somewhere before.
Then there is that old copy of Botti-
celli. The frame is familiar, but I
could not place it. This stein, how
ever" He laughed. The laughter was
boyish, even triumphant.
"Well. that stein?" She was now
leaning across the table. her fingers
tense on the cloth.
81 bought that stein two seasons
ago. This is the Sandfords' place, and
you are the yelled lady who has been
riding Mrs. Sandford's favorite hunter
in the park
They stood up simultaneously. In a
matter of this sort he was by far the
quicker. In an instant he had caught
her by the wrist. at the same time
drawing her irresistibly round the ia
BILE toward him.
Il must e your face. I shall never
be at peace if I do not"
Certainly you will never know any
peace if You do. Be CAREFUL"
His free hand stole toward the
strings of her mask. She moved not.
His face vas very close to hers now.
If only she would struggle! He re-
leased her wrist.
mo; l haven't the courage. If I take
that mask from your face it will be
the end. And I do not want this ever
to end. If You will not let me see your
face of your own free will, so be it. l
shall see it. some day, mark me. Fate
does not cross two paths In this man
ner without Il purpose" he stepped
back slowly. You do not understand
the lure of that mask"
Perhaps l do. I am beginning to
admire your self control, Mr.. Hillard.
But I am tired now. and I must ask
you to go"
"Once more. will you let me see
your face?"
mo. If, as you say, fate intends for
US to meet again you will see it. But
I have my doubts. So it is my will to
pass out of your life as completely as
though I had never entered it-from
one fog into another. No, I am not a
happy N I am not happy in my
friendships. Listen to me-" and her
voice grew low and sweet. Let me
appeal to your imagination. This light
adventure shall be a souvenir for your
old age. One night omanc stepped
into your life and out of it. Think!
There will always be the same charm,
the same mystery, the same enchant-
ment. I shall always be Cinderella
or the sleeping beauty or what your
fancy wills. Do you understand me?
Nothing" she proceeded, "nothipg
lasts so long in the recollection as a
other times. Well. on my side 1 shall
recall this night pleasantly. Without
knowing it you have given me a new
foothold in life. I did not believe that
there lived a single man who could
keep to the letter of his bargain,
Good night! And do not lean out OF
any more windows" she added lightly
You are right" he said reluctantly
something to dream over in my old
age. And certainly I shall dream of
tia flash Of sunlight in the window
Then slowly he reached down to-
ward her wineglass. She understood
his purpose and essayed to stop him.
"Do not deny me this little thing
he said.
She let her hand fall. He took the
glass. held it against the light to see
where her lips had touched it. Care.
fully he poured out the wine from the
opposite. side and kissed the rim.
II shall keep this glass. must have
some visible object to make sure that
this hasn't been a dream"
"You may kiss my hand. Mr.. billiard
He bent quickly and kissed not the
hand. but the wrist where the marks