The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-04-10
morton" he said to the maid. rs the butler swuna
open the heavy door, show Mrs Cromwell to her apart

sharp effort OF will brought back her sefposses-
SION her exquisite apartments claimed her interest She
day in which bachelor apartment into
ing in the place conveyed slightest impression Of raw
newness. Her things were laid out as if she had
Stella looked about her curiously She passed into
the adjoining room, Her eyes examined tenderiy the
Of Gilbert and three other boys in rowing costumes
how chubby and jolly and serious the boyish facs
university eight in the foreground Of which She Teeoe
nised Gilbert Fasthsr on theIn was Ph9'GEI.ph q
there little things of her arranged that day by
her maid amongst them were scattered tres Of his
ready she felt no stangeness there and yet-how abb
soutely It was has!
her. She continued her slow inspection Presently she
came upon little alcoye lighted BY mulioned win
framed photograph Of herself taken the year before II
front of it, in way that suggested votive offering.
She choked back sob The kind thoushtfulnes. Of
the man. displayed in every detail touched her deeply
stnct told her that he had He had said that his thought
ns he had h.. very day dol o.. AND
that she was his welded wife she had suddenly be-
ssi h. than syeu 1 the in e,,.
suddenly within her; for the moment she was filled with
wild impulse to snatch it up and fling it through thu
She called her maid
Morton, she said, pointing 70 the photograph. "ia
that old gown among my thingss
s s,ss sa:s.d mean madam
MAKE me look as much like that photograph as you
cam" she said-"hair. gown jewels-everythiIs'"
Gilbert leaned back in his great leathen armchair.
holding his knee round morocco case stained with
sd sad when his ear caught rustic Behind him
Stella was standing in the doorway and as Gilbers
eyes fell upon her he caught his breath quickly Tho
girls cheeks rosy, her dark-gray eyes bright
and there was faint, haiffrightened smile upon her
You startled me- said Gilbert. II thought that my
portrait had stepped down from her frame.
Stella flushed and without answering took the chair
which he drew out for her Gilbert standing at her ell
bow. opened the leather case and took from it rope
These were my mote H,, he said They are m,
filed she tried to speak then turned away her head
Gilbert stepped to her side leaned down and d.: sl,sped
at is cold for you here said Gilbert seating him.
self the other side of the hearth. My habits ara
Il am used to the cold" nnurnured Stella like IL.
calmly 9 nes s long to eado
you like have bite now? IS not yet quite seven"
an ao not the H ou
fulness touched her but she found her mind going back
s h s1f s.d ss.ss t her . s.
The wish for this knowledge became imperative.
She turned to Gilbert the warm. ruddy light Of the
fire reflected from her face and neck and shoulders
Tell me- she said have you always kept flowers
in front of my picture?"
Gilbert looked embarrassed. Stella: watching hin.
closely recognized the conscious. chubby boy OF
Yes, he answered 81 suppose you win think mo
sentimental chump but I've got to think Of that pic
ture as real person. He stared into p the flames.
mo" said Gilbert. she is dethroned She still
How strangel" murmured Stella. She leaned for
her chin testing on .s, n,n S s1e INTO
and cleaned in the depths of her halfcosed eyes Gil
bert watched her closely 1t was precisely thus that he
had often pictured her-sitting IN front OF ms hxe
Il see nothing strange" he said. in having Be.
attached to you. picture There has been very
has been ali cold hard grinding wol. Every man has
~W NV G ID aad5 |urmured Stella
That you should have been in love with that photo
mined to hate you!
Gilbert stared at her in establishment.
"You mel he cried. Do you mean to say
that it bad as tilats You poor little girl
1t was nothing Of the sort. They should have
but did not because wanted first to succeed; have
something offer you besides what other people had
He took several shor, impatient steps What fool
Of my SNUG criticism Of ySa Yesterday what i00'
Stella rose her feet and turned to him with radi
ant smile But thought nothing OF the kindI she
cried You made ne feel ashamed Of gysslii
and thrill passed through the girl for the FIRST time
she heard her name upon her husbands lips. Il have
done nv best to make awful Of happiness
have behaved like pigheaded school boy! Will you
forgive me, dear?" He took her hand m his Per-
haps il is better that should go away-and do penance
and come and try win your heart Just a.
though this had never taken place But before
20 mean to tell you" his voice sank lower, that
have always loved you-but have loved you -
love you now"
Stella looked up into his face.
.Gibert-r she whispered--w husbandi Oh, Do
you really love me?'
The told her n the clasp Of her hushands
strong