The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-07-31

had promised to give him her an
swer In two days. For the first time
since she had known him, more
over, she wanted to accede to his
wishes. Not because her heart felt any
warmer towards him, but because
she thought of him as a friend and n
protector Wh1eyer else he might be
he was a strong, healthy-minded man,
one who would be faithful and low
ing. And almost for the first time
in her life. Olive felt a longing for
such an one. For great fear had
come into her hearr-a fear of Sig
Tor Rlcordo. She could not explain
It, or define it. The man had fasci-
mated her-had. indeed thrown a
kind of spell upon her. She thought
of him continually. Leicester had
faded into the background of her life.
But for che fact Of her promise new
er to marry another man, he seem
ed to have passed out of her exist
emce. But in place of Leicester, Ric-
CrdC had come and although in one
sense of the word she regarded him
only as I casual acquaintance. she
knew that in another sense he eXer-
cised a poWerN Influence over her,
In considering Herbert Briarfield's $ plea
she though; of Rcordo She feared
what he might say; while she had
Il kind of feeling that she ought to
consult him before coming to Il.
nal decision Why this was so she
could not tell. Signor Ricordo was
only a distinguished foreigner who
had come to live in the neighbor-
hood. and whom she had met only oc.
casionally; and yet he was the most
potent factor in her life. The fact
Almost angered her. Why should
this middle aged man constantly oh
trude his personality upon her
thoughts? Why should she care what
he thought of Herbert Briarfield's
proposal? But she did. Even that
afternoon while he was pleading his
love. she saw the dark face of the
Eastern stranger.
Therefore while alone. thinking OF
what answer she should give to the
young squire. a feeling like fear
came into her heart as the servan;
announced the advent of Ricordo.
She almost wished she had accepted
Briarfield. She felt that he would
protect her, that as his wife she
would be free from the vague, indie.
finable fears that haunted her. Still.
She would see him No thought OF
telling the servant to send him away
came into her mind. Indeed, although
sac feared him, she had a strange
desire 20 talk with him.
When she entered the room where
he was, she saw him rise with "A
stately bow. She thought he looked
older than usual, while there was an
expression in his eyes which she
had never noticed before. Still. he
spoke with his old easy grace, and
he revealed nothing of the passion
that burned in his heart.
viii you excuse me for calling
without an invitation, signorina?" he
said. But truth to tell, saw some.
thing this evening which compelled
me-"
She looked up at him with a fast
beating heart, for there was some
thing in his voice which struck her
as strange.
You wonder what it was" he went
on. Il will tell you. met Mr.. Her
bert Briarfield little while ago"
In spite of herself she felt the
blood rush TO her cheeks, out she
retained her self control.
Surely, there is nothing so won
derful in that" she said.
NO. not in seeing him; the Won
der was in what read in his face"
At this she was silent, while Ric.
ordo went on:
Yes, saw love, hope, there-nay.
more than hope. saw what looked
like conquest, certainty. Am right.
signorina?'
Again she felt the kind of mas
terry which his presence always ex-
ercised over her, but she determin-
ed not to yield to it. Rather, che
was almost angry with him.
Il am at a loss to know why you
should ask me what you saw in his
face" she said.
Because what I saw depends on
YOU" he answered quietly.
And what then. signore?'
Il know that, if saw truly. you
have spoken words of hope ] know
that he haffeVac vou hava pivan him