New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-12-11
1 RRN'S

80 they sat over their coffee and R6nes
w cigarette. Natae's checks g1owed
with two red patches and looked as
though they daringly artificial, and her eyes
sparlled strangely But she had eaten little and drunk
sparinglv. She had offered Rene no explanation, and
he was clever enough to know from her mood that it
would have been futile to ask questions
1t was Rene's tact that had won him way in the
service of the State Department from an obscure
sular Clerkshp to his present appointment; short
which his appreciation OF the folbes OF women
had taken a conspicuous share. And SO he wise
enough to be thankful for his good fortune without
questioning Providence too closely. When Natalie
more composed she would tell him what he wanted to
know and in the meantime 1t was his mission to be
cheerful and patiently wait He beguied her with the
latest gossip from Washington, told her few amusing
incidents in the recent career OF arrived Western
Senator and made known his own plans tor the 11nne-
date future To all of which she listened asking per-
functorv questions, answering shortly, with nervous
mods and gestures. But Rene was philosopher and an
But Rene was not disturbed. The handsomest
man in New York was his giS-d0is. What could
something that Natalie had not sent him away. And
he smiled her and shifted at the rim of his glass of
Chateau Yquem.
TT was not until the servant had withdrawn that he
sensed the moment of condolences.
Tell me- he murrnured at last, what is it. Ma
taie?"
She frowned at her coffee cup; but smiled when she
replied. Il think-Im glad you discovered me-
Is that all? he laughed.
81 think So Don't you feel hatered that no matter
how much dislike other people, am always content
to be with YOU?
"Content!' he scow1ed. "That's poor food for a
starving man. Won't you tell me what has happened?
What is it"
She refused reply to his question and turned the
topic with a laugh.
You don't really look hungry, Rene.
Il am. You've starved me all summer. Do you ex-
pect to be content, like you? Content is poor
word misses undesre only by the breadth of a hair
To be content is to be provincial. Content suggests
the honest husbandman his good wife and rustic inertia
Content is a negative term.
And vet I'm quite positive about it, she insisted
with a smile.
He laughed at that and sank to the leather chair be-
side her Is it because you know how irresistible your
Indifference is that you eude 50? What is the use
of dissimuatiOn2 Can't YOU be honest? Don't YOU
think you've kept dangling long enough Isn't
there spark of the old feeling, the spark YOU had that
night in this house. this very rOom the night before
YOU were married? You loved them know it.
You would not kiss me- even.-you never have,-but
read what wanted to read in your eyes. You needed
then, and you need now.
And still she would not reply.
Il hoped when | learned you had come here that it
was because you wanted to me; that you did not
think of my going far away without VOu
that perhaps YOU had last decided that the life YOU
living ntolerabe; that perhaps YOU were
ready to leave all this and go abroad once recon-
menced to YOU that you do.
4 had thought of going abroad" she stammered.
He put his arm around her and drew her close to
him. Did you?' he whispered. And with me2'
hand to encourage him. for lay in his fingers like
inaninlate thing. lin glad to learn Your plans
she added, 50 that when | come Over-I-nay not
miss YOU.
of that? Do YOU suppose that if you anywhere in
Europe | could keep away from you?' he paused and
eyed her narrowly. That wasn't what made you let
me stay here with you.
No; but I'm glad you came.
so that you tell me content youl" he sneered.
There was an aSSertiVeneSS in his voice that gave