Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1910-07-28
The Wonderful
Hour
BY VICTOR ROUSSEAU


vessels. OF the Jersey shore fiickered
son that warm spring evening. and
the voices of children playing along
the drive were heard In the distance.
And then. Just as he turned away
hopelessly, he saw her coming toward
him. walking as she had always
walked.
Nothing seemed 30 have changed
after those Ave years They might
have met yesterday. He kissed her.
Just as he used to DO. and they sat
down in the old place. Then for some
time there was silence.
well. Dick. have come, you see."
she said. II got your letter"
He took both her hands in his and
looked at her.
"Yes, you have not changed" he
said. 1T might have been yesterday
we parted. And you are wearing that
old white hat. I am sure. And
violets.
She laughed a little bitterly.
And you love me just the same.
don't your"
Il was a fool" be said
you left me to make your fortune
abroad. You were going to paint
great pictures and win fame. You had
70 choose between your pictures and
me. YOU know. and the choice was not
fattering TO my pride. Well. have you
painted themf"
NO." he said, quietly.
And SO you thought you would
have me again a. second choice. o
my dear, how well I know YOU So
you remembered the white hat and
the violetsf Well. wore them pur-
posely. Just a glamor. . little re-
hinder Of the old times, and you are
at my feet. again. you incurable sentt
mentalist. But have been growing
| older and WISER"
Il told you everything. confessed
the wrong / had done you. Why did
you come tonight II you did not love
meT
Some sentimental folly. thought
/, too. would like 10 see you again.
TO meet you here where we used to
| meet. wanted TO learn my power,
TO know whether / could stiN WELD
It, OF had grown old and homely. Van
ity, l suppose. Does the charm
| worh7
You speak very bitterly"
80 you imagined / would still be
free. That l have been eating out
my heart alone all these Eve years.
D, the vanity of man"
He started violently.
You are married2"
Il am going to be. But You do
deserve 10 be oomforted. poor Dick,
who did at least think Of me when
his art deserted him"
She nestled closer toward him. but
he sat silently beside her. The mock
cry Of the pretence crushed him. She
| tapped her foot impatiently.
Five more minutes nave gone. o,
Dick, don't you want to be companion
able? Talk to me. old friend. Tell
me. will you be sorry TO lose me for
ever?"
A dull resentment was growing In
his heart. At last he found his speech
Il don't complain OF your mockery.
But II treated you paddy, at least
left you hoping to WIN fortune for
us both. My thoughts were always
with you. left you In pride; fought
hard and was beaten: have returned
a suppliant. At least be honest to
ward me. Goodby." He held out his
hand
He saw her eyes shining In the
dusk. Their hands clasped and ling
cred.
Are you going?" she whispered.
He looked at her incredulously.
great hoJe dawned in his heart.
suppose told you that loved yox
more in your defeat than when you
went out to conquer she whispered.
IF approximations pretended that
] couldn't bear to lose you again.
ever"
His arms were round her and she
was weeping against mis- shoulder.
1T wasn't untrue when | said l was
going to be married-was it?" she
murmured.